One Member of Parliament has found himself under the spotlight for his notable silence in the parliamentary chamber. Gabriel Chrispus Buule, a journalist from the Daily Monitor, took to social media to address the issue, calling upon Honorable Nyeko Derrick to speak up on matters of public interest. Buule’s humorous yet pointed message urged the MP to break his silence, suggesting even discussing the status of sex workers in Kabalagala would suffice.
https://twitter.com/GabrielBuule/status/1781392946262053014
Nyeko Derrick, representing Makindye East constituency and holding positions as Shadow Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs and Human Rights Defender, has become a subject of both admiration and ridicule for his reticence in parliamentary debates. While some commend his committee work and occasional eloquence when given the floor, others lament his perceived lack of vocal contribution to important discussions.
Buule’s post sparked a flurry of responses from netizens, each offering their unique take on Nyeko’s parliamentary performance. Some sympathized with his struggles to catch the Speaker’s attention in the bustling chamber, attributing his quiet demeanor to the overwhelming nature of parliamentary proceedings.
Others, however, were less forgiving, criticizing Nyeko for his perceived ineffectiveness and inability to assert himself in the political arena.
Concerns were raised about Hon. Nyeko’s physical appearance, with comments about his weight gain drawing attention to broader issues of health and lifestyle. One commentator remarked, “The rate at which he is becoming fat is alarming. He will never say anything including his name.” This observation sparked a discussion about the importance of healthy habits and self-care among young politicians.
One user lamented that the MP only seemed to find his voice in the parliamentary canteen, alongside fellow MP Zaake Francis.
Baker, adopting a pragmatic stance, opined that even if Hon. Nyeko were to speak, little would change, urging others to appreciate his efforts on the ground. Opposition MP Lukyamuzi praised Hon. Nyeko’s committee work, acknowledging his exceptional performance when given the chance to speak.
However, not all comments were complimentary. Some criticized Hon. Nyeko’s apparent reluctance to engage in parliamentary discourse, joking that perhaps he only found his voice when it came to ordering food at the parliamentary restaurant. Others expressed concern about his expanding waistline, speculating on the reasons behind his weight gain and urging young people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Whether he will break his silence and assert himself more forcefully in the future remains to be seen, but for now, Ugandans continue to watch and wait with bated breath.
