The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has commended the 4th session of the 11th Parliament for its efficiency and effectiveness.
Chairing the last sitting of the session at Kololo Ceremonial grounds, Among highlighted the session's notable achievements.
"We had 75 sittings, passed 35 bills, processed 3 petitions, and considered 35 resolutions," Among said, underscoring the session's productivity.
Despite the achievements, Among acknowledged the challenges faced during the session, including the passing of two legislators, Sarah Mateke and Muhammad Ssegirinya.
"We lost two of our colleagues, Sarah Mateke and Muhammad Ssegirinya, and we pay tribute to their contributions to this House," Among said, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased legislators.
In a significant development, Among revealed that several legislators have defected to new political parties.
Some of the defecting MPs include former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga, Dr. Abed Bwanika, Juliet Kakande, and Kakembo Mbwatekamwa, among others, who have joined the Democratic Front and other political parties.
"Several legislators have defected to new political parties as we enter the 5th session of the 11th Parliament," Among disclosed.
Despite the defections, Among assured the President that Parliament will continue prioritising government business in the upcoming session. "Parliament will continue prioritising government business in the upcoming session," she said.
The closure of the 4th session marks the end of a busy period for Parliament, with many significant achievements to its name.
As the 5th session begins, it will be interesting to see how the House addresses the challenges ahead and implements its legislative agenda.
Among's commitment to prioritising government business is expected to drive the legislative agenda forward, despite the challenges posed by the defections.
The new session promises to be dynamic, with the potential for new alliances and legislative priorities.