“The Speaker guided Parliament and all its Committee that our colleagues who are currently boycotting plenary shouldn’t participate in the meetings of committees and field visits by the committees and I know that Hon Ssekitoleko is in that category. I am constrained to request him to take leave of the meeting until such time that they officially report to the plenary. The guidance of the Speaker is biding on Parliament and its Committees, unfortunately, I will not contravene the guidance of the Speaker. So kindly take leave and let us transact the business of the Committee in your absence” – Fox Odoi MP (27.11.2023)
Today, Robert Ssekitoleko (Bamunanika County MP), a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was kicked out of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee sitting. This isn’t shocking or surprising.
What we are seeing today is how the Speaker Anita Among orders are fulfilled by fellow Members of Parliament. Fox Odoi MP wants to be in the good graces of the speaker, which is why Ssekitoleko MP isn’t allowed to participate or be an active member of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. That’s because his boycotting plenary sessions in the August House until the Government and the Executive addresses the missing people, the abducted ones, the long-detained political prisoners and the ones tortured, even the ones who has been extra judicially killed. All of these are not answered for, which is the point of the boycott.
Speaker Among is just getting people more unto the activism and the modus operandi of the security organizations of the state. Their ills and the injustice is amplified. Because, every time someone adheres to her orders. These people are by default getting more eyes on the impunity of the state. Meanwhile, the Parliament or the Speaker aren’t getting any better. They are still not addressing the matter and the ones who is in custody of the state.
Fox Odoi MP just followed orders and doesn’t want to defy his master. That’s why he kicked the NUP MP out of the Committee. This is just a show and prove their actions has consequences. Though we are discussing the people who are missing or behind bars without proper charges or trials, which the Ministers and the Executive could address the House. Though, we know the will of the state to do so, is close to none and it’s shows.
If the Speaker thinks her strategy is wise. Well, her actions are only amplifying the voices for the ones in need. It isn’t showing her strength or resilience. Neither is it a policy of strengthening her office or codes of conduct within the House. All of that is a failure… and further just shows that she wants to prove point, but it will end up pointless.
The Speaker can direct and make a mockery of committees by kicking out opposition members. Just like the one happening today. However, that only gives us more reasons to speak about the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience… they will be spoken about even more and tarnish the name of the Parliament. As the House isn’t addressing it or even trying to have an oversight of security organizations who does this to civilians. Peace.
MinBane 