Chris Obore Explains Steps for Commissioner Removal

Chris Obore, the Director of Communications at the Parliament of Uganda, has provided clarification regarding the process for the removal of a Commissioner of Parliament. According to Obore, a resolution passed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Unity Platform (NUP) cannot unilaterally remove a Commissioner. He asserts that the removal procedure is governed by the mandatory provisions outlined in Rule 110 of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament.

Obore explains that the removal of a Commissioner can only be initiated through a motion for resolution, as specified in Rule 110. This motion must be initiated by a written notice to the Clerk, signed by at least one-third of all voting members of Parliament. This notice indicates the intention of moving the motion for the removal of the Commissioner.

Furthermore, Obore underscores that the actual removal of a Commissioner requires a vote of at least half of all voting members of Parliament. As of the close of business on the day of the statement, the Clerk had not received any notice regarding the removal of Hon. Mpuuga, the Commissioner in question.

To provide clarity on the numerical requirements, Obore states that the total number of voting members of Parliament is 529. Therefore, one-third of all voting Members of Parliament would amount to 143 members. Additionally, for the removal to be effective, at least half of all voting members, which is 265 members, must vote in favor of the removal.

Obore asserts that the attempted removal of Hon. Mpuuga as a Commissioner, based solely on the resolution of the NEC of NUP, is invalid. He describes it as “VOID ABNITIO,” emphasizing that it lacks legal validity from the outset. Obore’s statement aims to clarify the procedural requirements for the removal of a Commissioner of Parliament, ensuring adherence to parliamentary protocol and legal standards.