Uganda: Parliament Incomplete Without Opposition,Says Tayebwa As Efforts to Resolve Impasse Continue

26 October 2023
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Muhamadi Matovu

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has revealed that discussions are underway between the Opposition and the government to end the impasse in Parliament.

The opposition has vowed not to return to Parliament until concerns about human rights violations in public are addressed, as Parliament is not complete without the participation of both sides.

Tayebwa stated, "We are making every effort and giving our full attention to resolving the impasse between the two sides in the House.I have held several meetings with leaders from both sides.

The progress may be viewed as slow by some, while others may feel that we haven't reached satisfactory progress.

However, we are facilitating dialogue between the two sides so that our colleagues can come back to the house."

"We are incomplete when we are not all here.Although business can continue, I express my discomfort with the situation.I would like to see our colleagues rejoin us so that we can engage in a dialogue on critical issues that affect the nation."

Yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, returned to Parliament after the events of the past week.

Mpuuga explained that their presence may seem unusual to some, but it was essential to let common sense prevail and pay tribute to Henry Kyemba.

Last week, the opposition in Parliament outlined seven demands for addressing human rights violations, including accountability for the 2020 killings, detained Muslims, disappeared Ugandans, political prisoners, and more.

Tensions in Parliament escalated when the government presented a report on National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi's mistreatment.

This led to chaos, increased security measures, and adjournments.

Mpuuga questioned Parliament's response to these incidents and the government's claims regarding the whereabouts of the missing persons.

He read a list of names representing the disappeared and raised concerns about the victimization of Muslims, detention without trial, and the military's accountability.

State Minister for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, objected to the opposition's claims of targeting Muslims in arrests.

Mpuuga highlighted the case of over 500 NUP supporters who were arrested in 2021 on unfounded charges.

Some were released without trial after a year, while others remained in detention centers, including military courts,

in violation of the constitution.

He questioned Parliament's role in demanding accountability from the military.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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