MPs ‘banned’ from travelling abroad

Kampala

Parliament has ‘banned’ Members of Parliament (MPs) from travelling abroad.

This is meant to ensure they are in Kampala to vote for Uganda’s representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Uganda’s MPs will vote for the country’s representatives to the Arusha, Tanzania-based assembly on February 27 and 28.

Though over 40 have been nominated to represent Uganda, Uganda is entitled to nine slots.

“I want to clarify: The suspension is for the 27 and 28 February,” the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, said a few minutes ago.

“I don’t want any voter missing. So on the 27 and 28, no one goes anywhere, not even in Kampala. You might get lost in Kampala. I want everyone to be here [within the precincts of Parliament].”

Earlier, the Clerk to Parliament, Jane Kibirige, had written to the MPs, suspending both inland and external travel.

During today’s communication from the Chair, Ms Kadaga also instituted a verification committee for the nominees fit description in Article 50 of the regional bloc’s Treaty.

Beatrice Lwakimali will head the committee.

The members are Rose Mutonyi Masaba, Rose Ayaka Atima, Jesca Ababiku, Moses Bilda Adome, Sam Lyomoki, Mwine Mpaka, Safia Nalule Juuko, Florence Namayanja, Wilson Nokrach, Rukia Chekamondo, Geoffrey Macho, Santa Sandra Alum, Betty Aol Ocan, Grace Balyeku, John Bosco Ikojo and Mourine Osoru, among others

The verification committee shall look at the nominees to establish the nominees are citizens of the East African Community (EAC) Member States and are not Cabinet ministers in their respective states.

It will also establish if the nominee is an employee of the EAC Secretariat.

It will try to establish if the nominee has the interest of and track record of furthering the aims of the EAC.

The nominees must be registered voters in their respective countries and has studied at least up to Advanced Level or its equivalent and is of sound mind.

Also, the nominees should not be a traditional leader.