Government is set to provide a comprehensive response to the Opposition’s concerns regarding alleged human rights violations in a statement scheduled for next week. The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, confirmed this during the House sitting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, indicating that the official response would be ready by November 19, 2023.
The Opposition, primarily represented by members of the National Unity Platform, initiated a walkout from the plenary sitting on October 10, 2023, in protest against the persistent arrests and detentions of their supporters. Their demands include a thorough account from the government concerning the whereabouts of missing and detained supporters.
Despite warnings from Speaker Anita Among regarding potential suspensions in accordance with parliamentary rules, the opposition MPs, led by the Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuga, have continued to boycott Parliament sittings. Among emphasized that she would invoke the rule on 15 sittings if the MPs persist in their absence.
Geoffrey Macho, an independent representative from Busia Municipality, echoed Among’s position, urging the government to expedite its response to the critical human rights matter. He emphasized that prolonged inaction gives the opposition an opportunity to portray a lack of government effectiveness.
Cecilia Ogwal, representing Dokolo district and a member of the FDC, appealed to her colleagues to return to Parliament, emphasizing that it remains their primary platform for addressing national concerns. She highlighted that persistent absence from sittings could lead to disciplinary actions, including potential cessation of the MP status based on the findings of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline.
