Ministers cautioned against absenteeism in Parliament

Parliament. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, on Thursday cautioned ministers against consistently abandoning their duties of representing government in Parliament.
The absence of ministers continues to hurt critical House business. In the absence of ministers, Parliament cannot conduct business effectively as most Bills are moved by the government.
Mr Oulanyah, known for his strict time-keeping, echoed concerns about the recurring malaise of poor time-keeping and absenteeism of ministers following a warning by the Opposition Chief Whip, Ms Cecilia Ogwal, that the absence of ministers contravenes House rules.
For instance, the Indigenous and Complementary Medicines Bill (2015) that had been scheduled for First Reading weeks ago was deferred as the sector minister was not available to present it.
“It is becoming a problem that this House starts at 2pm and the front bench is empty. We begin handling business and there is nobody on the front bench. It is a matter of great concern and I was preparing to make a proper complaint when the Prime Minister is sitting at Prime Minister’s Question time,” Mr Oulanyah said.
Since the House resumed last month, business has been crippled by poor attendance by both MPs and ministers as they seem to be engrossed in electioneering ahead of next year’s general election.
To stem the growing trend of absenteeism, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga about two weeks ago announced the introduction of electronic voting and electronic attendance registration to curb absenteeism but that is yet to register any success. Incoming government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa said she would take the initiative of whipping MPs with particular priority being placed on Cabinet.
The 9th Parliament has already expelled two MPs for missing 15 plenary sittings without the Speaker’s permission while two others are being investigated by the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline.

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