Uganda Picks

By Jumah Nsubuga

Opposition Members of parliament with some independent and NRM MPs have today boycotted the president Museveni’s address to Parliament on grounds that he directed energy minister to sign a new secretive Oil Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Tullow Oil Company in disregard of the resolution of Parliament.

Some of the MPs who boycotted the sitting told journalists that they found the sitting to be a continuation of the NRM caucus meetings in Kyankwanzi and since were not part, cannot again participate.

Opposition chief whip Winnie Kiiza revealed that though Parliament passed resolutions to stay all new oil deals until government enacts new laws to protect national interests in the oil sector, president Museveni’s actions undermine parliament.

“The opposition is now consulting its lawyers to take legal action against government” said Mrs Kiiza

UPC chief whip Betty Amongi also defended their boycott arguing that it’s the opposition’s role to protect the independence of parliament.

The opposition is also demanding that the speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga explains as to why she allowed alteration of the sitting arrangement in the house.

Rubaga south MP Ken Lukyamuzi says Kadaga presided over a Kangaroo house without following the rules of procedure, an action he says is contempt of parliament.

He argues that the opposition’s seats should remain free incase the members are not yet in the chambers.

Meanwhile Butaleja district woman member of parliament Cerina Nibanda (NRM) told the press that she was not happy with president’s speech because he failed to appologise to the members of parliament for the rush in signing Oil deals.

“It was good for the opposition to boycot the address because president didn’t say any sence in his address”Nibanda says

The Nakasongola district Woman Mp Margrate Komuhangi also in parliament on NRM tikect said that president Museveni address to parliament was a national issue its for the benefit of the whole ugandans not only NRM members saying that opposition boycot from the presidents address was kidish.

“We should always learn to respect Dr Museveni because he is the president of the whole country”Komuhangi added