Committee finalises scrutiny of bill that seeks to have LOP elected

The legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee has finalised scrutinising the controversial Administration of Parliament Amendment Bill 2019.

The private member’s bill seeks to provide for the election of Leader of Opposition, Commissioners of Parliament and a representation of Independent Legislators on the Commission.

According to the chairperson of the committee Jacob Oboth Oboth, they are now set to begin the writing of the report after interfacing with all the key stakeholders.

Last month, the Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga tasked the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to expeditiously handle the Administration of Parliament Amendment bill 2019.

The bill according to Kadaga will provide for the election of the Leader of Opposition, Deputy Leader of Opposition and the Parliamentary commissioners.

Currently Parliament commissioners, Leader of opposition and party whips are being appointed by their parties.

Oboth Oboth said it is only the National Resistance Movement that is yet to present their submission.

“We interfaced with all other parties apart from the NRM,” he said.

As thus, he said, the writing of the report will begin after the NRM parliamentary caucus retreat scheduled for next week in Kyankwanzi.

The bill which was drafted by Kabale Municipality MP Andrew Aja Baryayanga, also seeks to provide for the representation of Independent legislators on the parliamentary commission in addition to the election of back bench commissioners.