MPs Deliberately Dodge Constituencies Due To Brokenness, Cling At Parliament While In Recess.

Half of the Members of the 11th Parliament were seen hanging around parliament today amidst recess time.

Our reporter at parliament confirmed to us that the majority of these members of parliament were spotted keeping themselves busy by moving up and down, while others were seen at the parliament canteen.

According to our reporter at parliament, most of the legislators are dodging their voters due to heavy loans. 

"I've failed to go back to my constituency because I have no money to give to my voters, I invested over a billion in the 2021 general election, all this money was borrowed and I thought I would clear the loans in just a year but all in vain" - An Mp told our reporter. 

Another MP withheld told our reporter that his voters are so demanding and as soon as they see an area member of parliament, all they think of is money.  

"Leadership has been commercialised, We are the ones to buy coffins whenever any voter passes on, we are the ones to pay fees for those that can afford it, we are reduced to even attend Nigina in Villages and if you fail to attend, voters tend to hate you" - Mp name withheld.

What You Need to Know:

Speaker of Parliament Anita on Thursday, September 7, 2023, sent the House on recess, urging all legislators to utilize the 20 days to monitor government programs in their respective constituencies.

"Honourable members, at the end of today’s sitting, we will go on recess until 28th September 2023. Unlike previous recess periods where some committees continued to transact business, this recess will be an absolute one," said Among in her communication at the commencement of the Thursday plenary. 

 

She added: ‘’I expect all of you to head to your constituencies to monitor the implementation of Government programs.’’

As provided for under Article 90 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the Members of Parliament are mandated to carry out oversight of all the government programs undertaken in their constituencies all over the country.

 

 The same law mandates them to monitor, evaluate, and bring to the attention of ministers and the public the misuse of government funds, violations of the rule of law, and unlawful activities.

 

Ms. Among’s communication re-echoes President Museveni’s continued message to Ugandans to utilize the available various government programs to get themselves out of poverty. 

In most of his addresses, Mr. Museveni rallies Ugandans to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Skilling the Youth Initiative aimed at empowering them through wealth creation by engaging in productive economic sectors.