The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on government to stop ministers from launching development programmes in constituencies without first notifying area Members of Parliament.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of a five-day induction programme for legislators at Speke Resort Munyonyo, saying MPs must be respected as elected representatives who appropriate funds for such projects.
“Government should stop ministers from launching programmes in constituencies without first informing area MPs. MPs appropriate the funds used for those projects and should not be sidelined when government programmes reach their constituencies,” Tayebwa said.
He noted that the directive follows repeated complaints from legislators who feel excluded when development projects are launched in their areas without their involvement.
According to a source present at the event, Tayebwa said the issue has also raised political concerns among MPs who believe some project launches are being used in ways that undermine sitting legislators.
Tayebwa’s remarks highlight growing tension between the legislature and the executive over visibility and ownership of constituency development programmes, with MPs arguing that exclusion from project launches weakens their connection with voters and undermines their oversight role.
The five-day induction programme at Speke Resort Munyonyo was designed to equip members of the 12th Parliament with knowledge of parliamentary procedures, rules and expectations as they begin their legislative duties.
