A section of Members of Parliament (MPs) has expressed disappointment and frustration after the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesigye, abruptly cancelled yesterday’s plenary sitting just minutes before it was scheduled to start in the afternoon.
The MPs, including Kira Municipality’s Ssemuju Nganda and his Buvuma County counterpart Robert Migadde, criticized the leadership of Parliament for not providing earlier notice, resulting in wasted resources and time. They pointed out that many MPs had traveled long distances and adjusted their schedules to attend the session, only to be informed of its cancellation at the last minute. Nganda highlighted the inefficiency and lack of communication, while Migadde emphasized the need for better planning and consideration for MPs’ time.
However, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua explained to journalists at Parliament that the cancellation was due to a strategic meeting summoned by President Museveni at State House, Entebbe, which the Speakers were required to attend. Obua stated,
“The calling off of the plenary, I know that the presiding officer under the parliamentary calendar who is supposed to chair the house today had a moment involved in a strategic meeting with the head of state.”
Obua urged MPs and the public to understand the importance of the meeting, emphasizing that such high-level strategic discussions are crucial for national planning and decision-making. He assured that efforts would be made to improve communication and prevent such abrupt cancellations in the future.
ENDS
