Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and Leader of Opposition (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi are in a disagreement over the delegation of powers and the recall of the House. The disagreement arose when Ssenyonyi delegated Wilfred Niwagaba, an independent legislator representing Ndorwa East, to speak for him in Parliament. Among was displeased with this move, arguing that protocol was not followed.
On Thursday, Niwagaba delivered a message from Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa West MP, expressing his dissatisfaction with how the House was recalled. Ssenyonyi’s message stated that, according to prior communication with the Speaker, the House was expected to meet the following Tuesday. This scheduling confusion was the reason many members from the opposition were absent.
Before Niwagaba could finish reading Ssenyonyi’s message, Speaker Among interrupted. She emphasized that she should have been consulted before Niwagaba was assigned this role. Among questioned whether Niwagaba was representing the opposition or the independents and stated that she, as the dean, should have been asked for permission.
“You have been assigned as a member of opposition or as my member of independents? Listen, I am your dean and was not asked as to whether I should give out my person,” Among stated. She stressed that any assignment of independents should be done with the Speaker’s consent.
The rules state that the Speaker reserves seats for independent Members of Parliament and other categories. Among pointed out that Niwagaba, being a legal professional, should have known the rules which grant the Speaker the authority to recall the House at any time.
Rule 20 of the Rules of Procedure allows a presiding officer to suspend or adjourn the House and to call a meeting before the scheduled date or any time after an indefinite adjournment. Among clarified that she adjourned the House sine die (indefinitely), which means she can call it back at any time, even an hour later.
“And when you look at the rules, Rule 149 (3): It says that the Budget Committee shall present its report to the House not later than the 15th day of May each financial year. Today is May 16, my independent (Niwagaba), do you still want to continue?” she asked, emphasizing that the rules allow her to recall the House as needed.
