Opposition boycott upsets public

The continued Opposition’s boycott of plenary sittings has upset a section of the public which look at the action as a cheap popularity stunt.

The Leader of Opposition (LoP) Hon Mathias Mpuuga announced last week that the Opposition would not return to Parliament until the government clearly explains the alleged mysterious killings of opposition supporters, illegal abductions and other human rights violations.

Yesterday, the National Unity Platform (NUP) President Hon Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu supported the move by the LoP and asked all Members of Parliament (MPs) affiliated to his party to respect the decision and stay away from Parliament.

In their absentia however, the Parliament passed the Petroleum Supply (Amendment) Bill 2023 giving the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) exclusivity to import and supply all petroleum products destined for Ugandan Market.

The boycott has not hindered business whatsoever at Parliament due to the required quorum as prescribed by the law.

Now members of the public are wondering what the Opposition will tell their voters especially on such laws that directly affect them which are being passed in their absentia.

“If they have not resigned, if they have not gone on a hunger strike or peaceful demonstrations and if they are still enjoying the benefits that come along with their positions including receiving their monthly pay; they are just in a political gimmick,” said Prof. Frank Bisase.

The primary duty of an MP is to debate and pass laws through which the institutions of government endeavor to guide the country’s process.

Other roles and duties include among others; budget approvals and appropriation, hold consultative meetings with their constituents, and represent their constituents’ views.

A source from Parliament however, intimated that some Opposition MPs are simply boycotting for publicity but quietly clock in.

“I have seen some MPs at press conferences saying they will continue with their boycott but they sneak and clock in,” a source said.

The Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anitah Annet Among did not mince her words and noted that she would expel any MP that will miss 15 consecutive sittings as clearly prescribed in the law.