Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa is currently engaged in discussions with prominent leaders from both the government and the opposition to address the ongoing deadlock related to human rights violations and the opposition’s boycott of parliamentary proceedings.
Opposition Members of Parliament, led by Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, walked out of a plenary session last Thursday, in protest, seeking an explanation from the government regarding human rights violations against their leaders and supporters, some of whom have been missing for several months.
In a previous session last week, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa suspended five opposition MPs due to disruptions in the parliamentary proceedings.
Nearly a week later, during the plenary session held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Tayebwa expressed his regret and mentioned that he was making every possible effort to reconcile the two parties and encourage the protesting members to return to Parliament.
Tayebwa stated, “We are dedicating all available resources and attention to resolve the impasse between the two sides in Parliament. I have conducted meetings with leaders from both sides, and we are facilitating a dialogue that is making progress.”
He noted that although the Parliament could continue its activities without the protesting legislators, he felt uneasy about an “incomplete House” and expressed his desire for reconciliation, saying, “I believe we are incomplete when we are not all here. While business can proceed, I am still uncomfortable with the situation. I hope that very soon, we will reach a satisfactory resolution to this matter.”
