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The Parliament of Uganda is set to host the first ever regional plenary seatings in the history of the county. All preparation for the Inaugural session scheduled for August 28th to 30th 2024 at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City are done.
The decision to host regional sittings is rooted in article 95(2) of the constitution of the Republic of Uganda which empowers the Speaker to determine the place and time of Parliament sittings.
According to the Director of communications and Public affairs at Parliament Chris Obore, this initiative alligns with Parliament’s vision of a People Centered Parliament and the Inter Parliamentary Unions values of openness and transparency.
” By holding sittings in the region, Parliament seeks to enhance its over sight, legislative and appropriation functions” He said in a statement.
Obore has dismissed alligenations of missuse of funds by the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi saying these sittings were budgeted for in the 2024/ 2025 Financial year budget for Parliament’s activities.
“I have told you we’re operating on the budget given to Parliament this Financial year. All departments and committees already had a word plan funded. The Speaker simply said all work plans for this quarter will be discussed in Gulu. As Obore I will spend on my colleges from the PR budget, the Surgent of Arms will also spend on his team, like Wise the Clakes and the Hansard” he noted.
Obore questioned Senyonyi’s intentions with the Sh 5 Billion expenditure alligenations describing them as baseless propaganda created to make the public hypnotised.
Meanwhile Ssenyonyi maintains that the Opposition is boycotting these sittings.
The innovative approach of regional sittings marks a departure from the traditional practice of holding sittings solely in Kampala, with committees sent to the country side to assess the state of affairs. Leaders have high hopes that with this kind of direct engagement their will better dialogue and understanding of the roles of the members of Parliament.
Report Compiled by Teddy Namayanja and Amos Ssemuwemba
