Summary:
- “I am wondering whether we are at war. While coming here, I met armored vehicles manned by the Army. My concern is whether the Police have been overwhelmed to the point that the Army has taken over their mandate or if someone has declared a state of emergency,” Mwijukye stated.
KAMPALA: The Buhweju County Member of Parliament, Francis Mwijukye has questioned Parliament about whether a state of emergency had been declared or if the country is at war.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Honorable Mwijukye noted that on his way to the Parliamentary sitting, he encountered armored vehicles manned by the Army.
He questioned if the Police had been overwhelmed to the extent that the Army needed to take over their mandate.
“I am wondering whether we are at war. While coming here, I met armored vehicles manned by the Army. My concern is whether the Police have been overwhelmed to the point that the Army has taken over their mandate or if someone has declared a state of emergency,” Mwijukye stated.
The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, called out the double standards within Parliament, questioning why young people peacefully protesting against corruption were beaten and arrested, while recently, residents protesting against Lwemiyaga County MP, Theodore Ssekikubo, were calmly ushered into Parliament and received by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
“There seems to be double standards within our institution called Parliament. Last week, some citizens came to Parliament with placards to protest against our colleague, Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga County). They were ushered into Parliament with their placards and received. You, the Deputy Speaker, asked a few of them to meet you. Today, young people with similar concerns about corruption were bundled up and jailed. I thought they would be received in a similar manner,” said Ssenyonyi.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa responded by stating that Parliament had not received any formal notification from anyone wanting to bring a petition regarding the issues being discussed in public. He emphasized that Parliament is a formal institution with established procedures for receiving petitions.
“I will not move from my chair to solicit petitions from the public. If anyone wants to bring a petition to Parliament, let them write to the leadership of Parliament, and we shall guide them on how to proceed,” Tayebwa stated.
He added that security was instructed to allow three representatives to present a petition outside Parliament, without the need for cameras. He expressed regret for the events of July 12, 2024, but stressed the importance of following proper procedures.
Prime Minister Robina Nabanja noted that the President has executive powers to appoint individuals, including members of the Opposition. She stated that the question of appointments should be directed to the appointing authority and acknowledged that people can change for the better.
Muwanga Kivumbi, Butambala County Member of Parliament, emphasized the role of Parliament in representing the concerns of Ugandans.
He highlighted the importance of creating a platform where voices can be heard, noting that young people across East Africa are raising their voices because they feel their issues are not being addressed.
“The crisis is that young people feel their issues don’t feature on the agendas and Order Papers of the Houses of Representatives. For us to address this matter properly, we need to create a platform where voices can be heard, because democracy has no meaning if those who have the opportunity to speak don’t address the concerns of those they represent,” Kivumbi said.
Muhammad Nsereko, Member of Parliament for Kampala Central, identified unemployment as the primary issue young people are grappling with. He noted that many constituents are presenting CVs in hopes of finding jobs, and parents are distressed by the lack of opportunities for their skilled, graduated children.
“We can talk about changing leaders and policies, but unless we address the issue of access to opportunity, we will not have addressed the real issue,” Nsereko stated.
He added that Parliament has produced reports that have led to government action, and that MPs must be accountable to their constituents, even if it means being questioned at their homes.
