Gulu, (UG):- The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among has criticized the Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi for leading a boycott of regional sittings in Gulu City saying the move is a display of selfishness and an affront to the people of northern Uganda.
While inaugurating the northern regional sitting at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City on Wednesday, Speaker Among argued that boycotting such a significant event signals a lack of concern for the region’s residents.
“Gulu, where we are holding this historic sitting, is an integral part of Uganda. Anyone who attempts to deprive the people of northern Uganda of their right to participate in parliamentary proceedings is not acting in the best interests of the nation,” Among stated.
The Speaker described the move by Ssenyonyi and his group as disruptive and unproductive accusing the LoP of neglecting the needs of the northern constituents.
“I hope those opposing this sitting in the north do not come to Gulu during campaign season.”
Ms Among also cited Article 92, which grants the Speaker the authority to determine where Parliament will convene. “Where Parliament sits is where the Speaker is, and wherever the Speaker proclaims, that becomes Parliament. The notion that Parliament must always sit in Kampala is self-centred. Next time, we might even declare the middle of Kampala Road as a parliamentary venue,” she remarked.
Hon Ssenyonyi, who leads the National Unity Platform (NUP) party which has spearheaded the boycott claimed that the regional sittings are a waste of taxpayers’ money, estimating the cost at UGX 5 billion per region.
Despite this, some opposition legislators, including five from NUP, have opted to participate in the Gulu sitting. In Ssenyonyi’s absence, Kimanya Kabonera MP Dr. Abed Bwanika stepped forward, declaring his readiness to lead the opposition during the three-day session in Gulu.
“Article 82A (1) provides that there shall be a Leader of the Opposition. Since Joel Ssenyonyi is not here, Dr. Abed Bwanika is ready and competent to assume this role,” Bwanika said.
Addressing concerns about the alleged extravagant spending, Speaker Among clarified that the regional sittings are budget-neutral, as they utilize funds allocated for parliamentary outreach activities. “Contrary to some misinformation, these sittings are not incurring additional costs. The decision to upgrade the usual parliamentary outreaches into full House sittings was made after a thorough cost-benefit analysis,” she explained.
Speaker Among emphasized the importance of the regional sittings, noting that they are designed to address issues specific to each region. “Each region in Uganda faces unique challenges. These sittings allow us to focus on those specific issues and ensure that resolutions are made for the Government to implement,” she added.
The northern regional parliament sitting continues today, Thursday, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to attend.
Speaker Among yesterday said that Parliament’s leadership will present some of the issues identified during the sitting to the President for his response during his address.
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