Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-03-20 06:41:06
IBRAHIM SSEMUJJU NGANDA, the Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, has voiced his challenges in holding the speaker of parliament, Annet Anita Among, accountable. In an interview with Muhammad Kakembo, the veteran lawmaker acknowledged the significant power Anita Among wields, making it difficult for him to openly criticize her while still utilizing parliament as a platform for governmental oversight.
Ssemujju’s concerns primarily revolve around the speaker’s authority to silence MPs during parliamentary sessions. He emphasized how the speaker’s ability to restrict an MP’s speech impedes their capacity to effectively fulfill their duty of holding the government accountable. This has sparked discussions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with users questioning Ssemujju’s perceived reluctance to address parliamentary issues.
The spotlight on parliament’s misuse of public resources has intensified in recent weeks, with Ssemujju himself facing scrutiny. Various voices, including digital public square Agora Discourse, Makerere University professor Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, and journalist/lawyer Agatha Atuhaire, have condemned wasteful expenditure of public funds by parliamentary leaders. This has led to a public campaign organized by activists on X to hold parliament accountable, with critics pointing to the disclosure of Ssemujju’s earnings as possible evidence of personal interests influencing his actions regarding parliamentary affairs.
However, Ssemujju has refuted these claims, arguing that while some information presented is accurate, it lacks essential context to fully grasp his situation. His remarks underscore the intricate dynamics within parliament, where MPs navigate a delicate balance between upholding accountability and navigating institutional power dynamics.
As the debate on parliamentary transparency and accountability rages on, Ssemujju’s experiences shed light on the multifaceted challenges inherent in effective governance oversight. The lawmaker has also raised concerns regarding perceived biases among the exhibitors, noting that they seem to target specific individuals while overlooking others who may engage in similar practices.
In response to questions about his reluctance to confront the speaker, Ssemujju provided insights into past disputes with parliamentary leaders, emphasizing that his disagreements have always centered on specific issues rather than personal attacks on the conduct of the speakers. He highlighted the procedural complexities within parliament, where discussions on the conduct of the speaker require a substantive motion and must adhere to parliamentary rules.
Ssemujju’s strategic approach in parliament, prioritizing verbal discourse over disruptive actions, aims to maintain respect for the speaker and engage tactfully to navigate the constraints imposed by the speaker’s authority. He emphasized the importance of upholding parliamentary procedures while still advocating for accountability and transparency within the government.
Despite criticisms and challenges, Ssemujju remains committed to his role as an MP and continues to address issues of public concern, including the allocation and utilization of public funds. His responses shed light on the complexities and nuances of parliamentary governance, highlighting the delicate balance MPs must strike in fulfilling their duties while navigating institutional power dynamics.
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