There is growing concern among voters in Northern Uganda that some MPs may not return to the 12th Parliament. Many voters are demanding to see these MPs actively participate in parliamentary debates, either in person or through television and radio broadcasts, during the forthcoming parliamentary sitting in Gulu.
This regional parliament will be an opportunity for voters to assess whether their MPs can contribute meaningfully to national issues or address matters affecting their constituencies during plenary sessions.
According to Piloya from Unyama Sub-county in Gulu District, she expects MPs from Acholi, West Nile, and Lango sub-regions to actively contribute on the floor of parliament in Gulu, rather than remaining silent or dozing off during sessions.
Ocen J.H., a 62-year-old resident of Pajule Sub-county in Pader District, said they are prepared to monitor their MPs closely to see if they address issues affecting the people of Pader District or remain silent.
Another voter from Ayul A in Kitgum Municipality, who requested anonymity, said they want to observe how MPs from the Acholi sub-region handle the parliamentary sitting, noting their preference for MPs who are active from day one to the last day.
A voter from Patongo Town Council, commonly known as “Kampala,” emphasized that speaking is one thing, but providing genuine points during debates is what voters expect and will be evaluating.
In a recent development, The Ankole Times reporter interviewed 23 voters from Northern Uganda, including Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and Karamoja sub-regions, about their expectations for the upcoming regional parliamentary sitting in Gulu.
Some voters in the Lango sub-region want the issue of compensation for the Lango War Debt Claimants Association to be a priority. Ojede Jiegler from Alebtong District wants the focus to be on improving the poor road network. Another voter, identified only as Opio from Oyam, hopes the issue of flooding will be addressed by their MPs.
A prominent businessman in Padibe Town Council, Lamwo District, wants MPs to address border conflicts affecting the people of Madi Opei Agoro, Ngomoromo, and Lokung sub-counties due to South Sudanese nationals.
Richard from Kitgum District has tasked MPs not only to second motions in parliament but also to move motions addressing issues affecting Kitgum District, especially Orom, Mucwini, Akikok, and Namukora sub-counties.
Another woman, identified as Akello from Akwang Sub-county in Bola Village, Chua West Constituency, expressed frustration that some MPs seem only interested in signing attendance records and are often absent, spending their time in salons and canteens. She urged MPs to show genuine commitment and address relevant legislative issues if they wish to return for the 12th Parliament.
Atim Betty from Lacor, Bardege-Layibi Division in Gulu City, noted that some MPs do not answer calls or attend parliamentary committee meetings and hopes that their presence in Gulu will lead to improved performance.
A voter from Dokolo District, Alele N., mentioned that some MPs struggle with uncoordinated speech and poor English, which may hinder their ability to speak effectively on the parliamentary floor, despite having real issues to address.
A 39-year-old voter from Moroto District in Karamoja, who requested anonymity, urged MPs from Karamoja to explain their lack of visibility and inactivity since they have not been featured on TV, radio, or in plenary discussions.
A 78-year-old Mzee from Lira Palwo Town Council in Agago District, who wished to remain anonymous, wants MPs to raise the issue of Karamojong cattle rustling along border sub-counties.
New-Boy, a 29-year-old voter from Obongi District in the Madi sub-region, wants MPs from West Nile to address the lack of electricity in Obongi District and the frequent breakdowns of the Adjumani-Sinyaya-Obongi ferry.
Otto from Paibo in Gulu District remarked, “Education is one thing, speaking is another, but fearing the microphone in Parliament seems to be an issue, as observed from some MPs in Acholi and Lango sub-regions.”
According to Bosco from Amuru District in Jengari, “Some MPs in Lango and Acholi sub-regions are taking voters for granted. If they do not contribute meaningfully in plenary, we will not vote for such tongue-tied MPs.”
Mike from Abim District said one of their MPs has refused to speak in parliament and does not answer constituents’ phone calls. He emphasized that now is the time to judge whether the MP will address issues or avoid the microphone during the Gulu sitting.
Another voter from Gulu District, Ocen C.F., wants MPs to focus on discussing the payment of war claimants rather than discussing other topics in plenary.
Earlier, Aciro Jane from Nwoya District, in an interview with The Ankole Times, urged three unnamed women MPs from the Acholi sub-region to apologize to their voters for their absence from various media platforms and forums.
Otto from Apac District noted that some MPs have only served their personal interests, repaired broken boreholes instead of installing new ones, abandoned their former schools, failed to pay campaign agents, and neglected their legislative duties. He warned that if MPs do not defend their actions at the regional parliamentary sitting in Gulu, they may not return to the 12th Parliament.
