A sharp debate broke out in Parliament over the representation of the Opposition on the Parliamentary Commission, following shifts in party affiliations among legislators.
The matter was raised by MP Jonathan Odur, who questioned the legitimacy of the current Opposition representative, citing provisions in the Administration of Parliament Act.
He asked Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to clarify whether the Opposition’s seat on the Commission was still valid, given recent political changes in the House.
“I would like you to confirm who is the Commissioner designated by the Opposition, in light of the changes that have happened in this House over the last year regarding affiliations,” Odur said.
He further claimed that the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, had effectively been “locked out” of the Commission.
In response, Tayebwa maintained that Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe) remained the Opposition’s representative and that Ssenyonyi could attend Commission meetings whenever he wished.
“But Mathias Mpuuga is the member of the Commission from the Opposition side,” Tayebwa stated.
Odur, however, insisted that the law was clear on vacancies.
“Once a member designated from the Opposition changes a political party, this is in the law — the vacancy automatically occurs,” he said, urging the Deputy Speaker to address the legal implications.
Tayebwa responded with a lighthearted remark that drew laughter from the chamber.
“Which party has he joined? Has he joined NRM? Because I thought any party that isn’t NRM is an opposition party,” he quipped, prompting Odur to reply, “I know as UPC, we have lent you a member of the front bench.”
Despite the humor, Odur pressed for clarity, noting the importance of the Commission’s composition to the functioning of Parliament.
“I just want to be sure that the House is moving in the right direction in that respect,” he said, suggesting that the matter be revisited during the Commission’s retreat.