In a parliamentary session on October 18, 2023, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa declared a commitment to conducting House proceedings in strict accordance with the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.
Tayebwa emphasized that, in line with the rules, the presiding officer would no longer entertain responses to his communications. He justified this decision by stating, “I want to apply the rules the way they are because that is what you [MPs] have demanded from me. In the rules, I do not have any provision called a reaction to the Speaker’s communication.”
Additionally, Tayebwa announced a change in the procedure for approaching the Speaker’s chair. Except for specific individuals such as the Leader of Government Business, the Leader of the Opposition, the Government Chief Whip, and any other member called upon by the Speaker, legislators were to submit their queries in writing through chits. Uniformed officers of Parliament would be responsible for collecting these communications.
Tayebwa explained that this adjustment aimed to facilitate his focused attention on legislators’ submissions. He noted instances where distractions during members’ submissions led to unsatisfactory communication.
Concerning the dress code, Tayebwa stressed the enforcement of Rule 82, which outlines guidelines for legislators’ dignified dressing in Parliament. He cautioned against the misuse of the concept of African wear, stating, “Some of these are bought from Europe and are not African wear.”
The Deputy Speaker extended these guidelines to parliamentary committees, expressing concern about members wearing inappropriate attire like jeans, sneakers, or flat shoes. He urged women members to maintain a high level of decency.
Tayebwa also referenced Rule 83, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary movements and interruptions while a member is speaking. He highlighted the prohibition of bringing cameras, arms, weapons, tape recorders, or transistor radios into the House, except for specific electronic devices that pass Parliament’s security test.
Referring to Rules 84 and 85 on parliamentary language and the code of conduct of Members of Parliament, Tayebwa asserted, “I have a duty to protect the dignity of this House, and I will ensure that it is done.”
In response to the Deputy Speaker’s directives, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, expressed appreciation for the guidance and announced that he would seek legal advice on compliance. He promised to provide an opinion by the Opposition side and announced his intention to make a statement in response to the State Minister for Internal Affairs on October 19, 2023.
Additionally, Mpuuga informed the House about a motion the Opposition planned to bring forward the following week to address incidents involving security officials and NUP President and MPs in Kampala and Kayunga districts on October 5 and 9, 2023.
