
“The speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among has summoned the minister of works and transport, the Uganda Police, the leader of opposition in parliament and other stakeholders for an emergency meeting over worsening road crashes” (Daily Monitor, 13.07.2023).
Today there was a populist move by the Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Anita Among. She summoned in several leaders for a meeting, because of the recent car accidents. Instead of calling into a debate in a plenary or adopt motions in the House. She called a meeting… and I don’t see how she could or have the ability to do so…
“7. General Authority of the Speaker
(1) The Speaker shall preside at any sitting of the House.
(2) The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum in the House and shall decide questions of order and practice.
(3) In deciding a point of order or practice, the Speaker shall state reasons for the decision and shall cite any rule of procedure or other applicable authority.
(4) The Speaker may invite submissions from Members but no debate shall ensue.
(5) The Speaker may decline debate on any contribution” (RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE 11TH PARLIAMENT).
The ideals of the meeting and summons are fine in itself, but the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja should feel betrayed. Other High-Ranking Officials should feel the pinch too. All of these appointed leaders have been downgraded and flower-girls in comparison to the Speaker.
The Speaker is going outside her mandate and her role as the Speaker. She doesn’t have the authority or mandate to do this. Among might think she’s that influential or has the power to do so. However, that isn’t her role, and she should beg for motions to move in a plenary session. She shouldn’t participate or take part in government business. Because that is what she did by calling or summoning the people for this meeting.
Even if this is the result of the meeting: “As a mid-term intervention to curb road accidents, the stakeholders have agreed to reintroduce mandatory motor vehicle inspection” (Parliament of Uganda, 13.07.2023).
The Speaker shouldn’t have done this and there should have been others who has the initial mandate or role to do so. She has overstretched her place and abilities. The Speaker should consider herself lucky because other places this could have consequences. That had been normal to call her out and question her reasons to do so.
The Speaker is the Speaker and not the Officer of the Government. Neither is she the most powerful government official. The President has delegated his powers and appointed a cabinet. There Vice-Presidents and a Prime Minister. Even Deputy Prime Ministers who could fit the bill. Alas, that is apparently not the case.
There are plenty leaders and high ranking officials should feel troubled by this action. If this set the precedence than they are obsolete and busy-bodies. As the Speaker is taking their place and orders people around without the mandate or authority to do so. That’s why it’s impressive that she gets away with it… Peace.











