Parliament to Resume Plenary Sitting Today

Summary:

• Today’s plenary session, set to start at 2:00 PM according to the Parliament’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, will include a discussion to thank President Museveni for his clear and precise State of the Nation address delivered on 6th June 2024.

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KAMPALA: Parliament is scheduled to resume plenary sessions this afternoon after a week-long break, which followed Speaker Anitah Annet Among’s decision to suspend sittings last week.

Speaker Among had instructed Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, to cancel the plenary session without providing a reason. The session was originally set to resume on Tuesday, 30th July 2024. However, Speaker Among later reversed her decision and called for a special sitting on 25th July 2024 to honor the late Simon Peter Aleper, former MP for Moroto Municipality.

Today’s plenary session, set to start at 2:00 PM according to the Parliament’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, will include a discussion to thank President Museveni for his clear and precise State of the Nation address delivered on 6th June 2024.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is expected to move the motion, which will be seconded by Emely Kugonza (Buyanja East County) and Agnes Kunihira Abwoli (Workers’ Representative). The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, will also respond to President Museveni’s address.

Although many opposition MPs were absent during the President’s speech at Kololo Independence Grounds, Ssenyonyi had prepared his response two weeks in advance, noting that the President’s speeches are often predictable.

Additionally, Parliament’s Agriculture Committee is set to process the Contract Farming Bill today. This bill, introduced by Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonero Division) on 26th May 2023, aims to establish a legal framework for transactions involving the sale of future agricultural produce at mutually agreed prices and the supply of farm services between farmers and buyers.

Bwanika emphasized that while contract and block farming have become popular among farmers, a legal framework to govern these practices is currently lacking. The bill is intended to provide legal protection for both farmers and buyers and to address issues such as land fragmentation.

Bwanika also highlighted that buyers would benefit from the law through direct connections with farmers, better price negotiations, and market planning. He noted that the bill would enhance farming practices, improve market access, and support the Parish Development Model.