Summary:
- Tayebwa stated, “I was involved in a very unfortunate incident with four colleagues, my Press Secretary, and ADC. By God’s grace, we were given a second chance to live. We are still going through a lot as individuals. I received all your good wishes and prayers, and I know some people are hungry for news and details, but some of us are going through a lot, so I request we stop it at that.”
KAMPALA: The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has asked for patience regarding details surrounding his helicopter crash, emphasizing that his team was given a second chance to live and is still processing the incident.
While presiding over the plenary sitting on Tuesday, Tayebwa stated, “I was involved in a very unfortunate incident with four colleagues, my Press Secretary, and ADC. By God’s grace, we were given a second chance to live. We are still going through a lot as individuals. I received all your good wishes and prayers, and I know some people are hungry for news and details, but some of us are going through a lot, so I request we stop it at that.”
The crash occurred last Saturday. The deputy speaker was returning to Kampala from Bushenyi district after attending a marriage function. Tayebwa and his team flew to Nyakishara airfield in Mbarara, where they were advised not to proceed to Kampala because the helicopter couldn’t fly at night. However, Tayebwa secured another chopper, assured it was equipped with night vision. Shortly after take-off, a fire broke out, forcing the pilot to crash-land and safely evacuate the passengers.
Additionally, Tayebwa addressed claims that Parliament is using taxpayers’ money to buy luxurious suits and dresses for both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He clarified that the only publicly funded items they wear are the wigs and coats for presiding over plenary sittings.
His remarks responded to concerns raised by Denis Oguzu, MP for Maracha County, who sought clarification on reports that the offices have a line budget for clothing and bedding, an expenditure that reflects poorly on Parliament.
“It is true in the line budget of the Parliamentary Commission, there is a line for clothing and bedding for the Office of the Speaker and the Office of the Deputy Speaker. When I saw it in the media, I took time to ask because, apart from this wig and this gown, Parliament has never bought me anything. I followed up and found out that Protocol Officers are supposed to be smart in the image of Parliament,” said Tayebwa.
He added, “I would rather borrow that beautiful suit of yours than have Parliament buy me a suit because I am well-paid. I don’t need to get anything from Parliament in terms of clothing. Unfortunately, you don’t have a wig, so I can’t borrow one from you.”
Oguzu expressed concern, saying, “I read a placard from a girl who said her mother died because she couldn’t access Intensive Care and couldn’t afford to be flown out. She demonstrated, claiming that Parliament, instead of catering to the healthcare needs of Ugandans, is budgeting for clothing for our Presiding Officers. This was an indictment and amounted to blackmail. Can the Commission clarify if we have ever budgeted for the clothing of our Presiding Officers?”
Oguzu further asked, “I want the Minister of Health to explain the criteria Ugandans can use to access healthcare if they need to be flown to India or America. This information is vital for the country to ensure equity and that this House is addressing the nation’s needs.”
