The much anticipated plenary session of Uganda’s Parliament was canceled just seven minutes before it was scheduled to start. The letter from the clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige Kasaija, delivered at 1:53 PM, announced that Speaker Anita Among had postponed the session to July 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The reason for the abrupt cancellation was as clear as a Kampala taxi’s route – which is to say, not at all.
As MPs were getting comfortable in their seats, ready for a heated debate, they were abruptly told to pack up and leave. Imagine the scene: it was like showing up for the much-anticipated Nyege Nyege Festival, only to find out it’s been rescheduled last minute.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua attempted to shed some light on the situation, explaining that the presiding officer, who was supposed to chair the session, was busy in a strategic meeting with the head of state. It seems even parliamentary affairs can take a backseat when the big boss calls for a meeting. In Ugandan terms, it’s like a boda boda rider abandoning his passenger to chase after a prettier fare – priorities, right?
The Prime Minister had earlier presented the government’s legislative agenda, detailing over 50 bills that the government intends to bring to Parliament. It was a jam-packed agenda, much like the taxi parks during rush hour, with each bill hoping to find its way to the legislative destination.
Chief Opposition Whip John Baptist Nambeshe of Manjiya Constituency chimed in, noting that the business committee, which should have met earlier, convened today instead. He voiced his concerns about the opposition’s struggle to find space on the order paper, likening it to trying to get a word in during a rowdy Owino Market negotiation.
Nambeshe pointed out that the opposition’s alternative legislative agenda has been consistently overlooked, much like the suggestions of a younger sibling during a family meeting. Despite this, the opposition remains hopeful, continuing to push for their voice to be heard amid the political noise.
The unpredictability of Uganda’s political landscape keeps everyone on their toes – just like the unpredictable rains that turn a sunny day into a mud-soaked adventure.
