In a decisive move aimed at reinforcing legislators’ dedication to their duties and ensuring value for taxpayers’ money, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, has suggested imposing restrictions on foreign travel for legislators consistently avoiding participation in plenary sessions.
While presiding over the plenary sitting yesterday speaker Among stated that she has not received any formal leave requests from most MPs exhibiting a habitual pattern of absence. She urged them to individually write to her office seeking permission to be absent from Parliament.
“Despite recognizing the continued absence of some House Members, I am yet to receive a formal request for leave of absence. Therefore, I wish to guide you as follows,” she said.
Among further emphasized that members absent without authorization should refrain from all parliamentary activities, including foreign benchmarking trips and committee participation.
“An absentee Member will not be eligible for any Parliamentary Activity, including but not limited to meetings, trips, conferences, and the forthcoming East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games,” noted Among.
This initiative received support from a segment of Ugandans, who expressed their approval on social media, praising Among for a move they believe will save taxpayers’ money. Ms. Among also expressed concern about the growing number of parliament members boycotting sittings but appearing as attendees to clock in.
“I’ve noticed that some Members clock in but do not enter the Chamber. They do this merely for conformity without intending to represent their electorate. I will publish the Clock in Records of all Members to expose the culprits,” she added.
Both the Speaker and her Deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, have emphasized the importance of plenary attendance, urging legislators to address issues affecting the people who entrusted them with the power to represent them in the August House.
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