Gen Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Ruhinda South County MP, has condemned Parliament's proposed regional sittings, deeming them an unnecessary expenditure of taxpayers’ money.
Speaking during a
thanksgiving mass for Rev. Fr. Vincent Mucunguzi, the parish priest of Mushanga
Catholic Parish in Sheema Municipality on Sunday, Otafiire questioned the
practicality of the initiative.
“I've heard that
Parliament plans to squander our money on regional sittings in places like
Gulu. Where will over 550 MPs, along with their drivers and staff, find
accommodation?” Otafiire asked, expressing doubts about the feasibility of
hosting such large groups in regions like Gulu and Mbarara.
He further
criticized the strain this would place on local resources, asking, “Do you
expect taxpayers to foot the bill for your trips to Gulu, Mbarara, and other
regions? How many hotels are there to accommodate everyone?”
Otafiire directed
his concerns toward Sheema District Woman MP, Rosemary Nyakikongolo, urging her
to caution Parliament on the matter. Nyakikongolo shared his reservations,
arguing that regional sittings could disrupt the effectiveness of sectoral
committees and local councils.
“I agree with
Gen. Otafiire. MPs are ex-officio members in district and city councils and
should address issues there. These regional sittings undermine councilors’
ability to debate and bring issues to MPs who attend council sessions,”
Nyakikongolo stated.
She also
criticized the regional sittings as a move that weakens the role of councilors
and discourages MPs from attending local council meetings. “The practice of
regional sittings makes Parliament appear as if it’s usurping council powers
and disempowering councilors,” she added.
Otafiire
concluded by suggesting that the proposed regional sittings are a distraction
from the pressing issues facing the country, serving only to benefit certain
individuals. “Whoever proposed these regional sittings aims to divert our
attention from real issues, but some of us will stay focused,” he asserted