Uganda: Government to Introduce the Position of Assistant Deputy Speaker of Parliament

29 October 2023
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Moses Namayo

Political actors and constitutional lawyers are divided on the proposed move being mooted by the government to introduce the position of Assistant Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

These believe that the move will address the continuity of sittings of Parliament, a view opposed by legal minds terming it as a waste of taxpayer's money.

Regardless of the ongoing rift between the government and opposition over the failure to table a report on missing persons, the government plans to amend laws and provide for the position of assistant deputy speaker of Parliament.

The revelations were made by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao while responding to some of the queries from legislators.

According to inside sources, the assistant deputy speaker will be designated with the responsibility of presiding over not very major business in the house like discussing a motion that may require a resolution by forwarding the matter to a committee, receiving business in the house that may not require statutory authority by the speaker.

While it is still a proposal, former Parliamentary Commissioner Emmanuel Dombo says that all the previous parliaments have had such discussions when the two principals are out of the country or faced with social problems.

Dombo who is currently the NRM director of communication recounts when the nation lost a former legislator, which caused tension as the two speakers were out of the country.

But National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya and George Constitutional Musisi's lawyer are doubtful if the move will bring unity and cause meaningful debates given the government's interest in the house.

Dombo has however urged the opposition to amend their differences with the government as an opportunity to claim this slot.

The proposal comes after the speaker Anita Among gave birth, which guarantees her 60 days of maternity leave according to the Public service standing order. This leaves the Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa the only person available and in case of a challenge, the house comes to a standstill since the current law only allows for the Speaker and Deputy.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2023 Nile Post. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.