Among Vows To Proceed With Regional Parliamentary Sittings Despite Ssenyonyi’s Boycott

The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has dismissed calls by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) to boycott the Parliamentary Regional sittings, vowing to proceed with the sittings as planned.

Speaking in Gulu city on Tuesday during the community events ahead of the sittings tomorrow, Among emphasized that the money allocated for the sittings was already budgeted for and would be spent on Ugandans.

Among criticized those opposing the sittings, saying they do not “love the people of Gulu,”, arguing that spending money in Gulu is not a waste, but rather a way to benefit the local community.

“Whoever is there saying no sitting, no sitting, we shall sit. And that business of saying we are not going to Gulu, those people do not love you [the people of Gulu]. And that business of saying we are spending Shs20Bn or Shs5Bn, what is wrong with spending money in Gulu? Why do you want to spend it in Kampala? We are going to spend money in Gulu and that money is budgeted for and what we are doing is budget neutral, what we are spending is money for our inland travel,” the speaker, said.

Among emphasized the significance of the upcoming regional sitting in Gulu, stating that it would boost the local economy and highlight important regional issues. She assured the people that those who chose to boycott would not stop the sitting.

The Speaker added that the sitting offers members of Parliament and staff a chance to explore the region and contribute to its development. She asserted that bringing Parliament closer to the people is a key aspect of their work.

The first regional sitting in Gulu is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28 to Friday, August 30, 2024, at Kaunda Grounds, focusing on the northern region’s concerns. Subsequent sittings are planned for the East, West, and Central regions.

The Speaker visited the home of the late Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah, in Omoro District, where she laid a wreath on his grave. Several officials, including the Government Chief Whip and local MPs, accompanied her.

During the visit, Bishop Emeritus Johnson Gakumba led a prayer session, urging Among to trust in the Lord and acknowledge him in all her endeavors.

Nathan Okori, Oulanyah’s father, praised Parliament and the government for their support since his son’s passing. However, he noted that the house and projects Oulanyah had been working on have stalled since his death and appealed for assistance in completing them.

Speaker Among assured the family that the government and Parliament remain committed to supporting them. She pledged to address the issue of completing the late Speaker’s house he left incomplete in Gulu.