Uganda: Ruling party leaves out rebellious MPs

(SomaliNet) Uganda’s government part, the National Resistance Movement committee held a re-election of chairpersons to head parliamentary sessional committees, and dropped “rebel” MPs Henry Banyenzaki and Sam Lyomoki.

Banyenkazi was replaced by Bukedea Woman MP Rose Akole as vice-chairperson of the budget committee while Sam Lyomoki (Workers), who has been the vice-chairperson of the social service committee, was replaced by Kiboga East MP Serunjogi Katende.

William Okecho ofWest Budaama retained the chairmanship of the committee and James Kubeketerya of Bunya East was re-elected as chairman of the same committee.

To the press, David Bahati the caucus treasurer said: “The caucus has held elections by taking a majority vote after reviewing the performance of the chairpersons.” He explained that the election of new chairpersons and their deputes was based on the candidates’ interests, performance, discipline, attendance, loyalty to party, regional balance, and gender.

“According to the committee register of the year, Lyomoki has attended the committee only four times in the sittings of the social services committee,” Bahati explained.

On the otherhand, Banyezaki protested the vote, saying the committee has no power to expel him from office, while quoting the rules of procedures of Parliament. He said committee chairpersons or deputies are only removed by a substantive motion supported by two- thirds due to incompetence, misconduct, misbehaviour or failure to execute committee work without justifiable reason.

“I am one of those most competent MPS who have served the committee with zeal.

“It is Parliament which elected me and it has the power to remove me but not the caucus,” Banyenzaki said.

Other dropped MPs Include: Willam Nsubuga as chairman of the finance committee who was replaced by Bushyenyi MP Tindamanyire Kabondo. Wamakuyu Mudimi of Sironko was elected his vice-chairperson.

James Byandaala of Katikamu North replaced Grace Tubwita as the deputy chairperson of the physical infrastructure committee, who will deputise Nathan Byanyima of Bukanga.

Workers Mp Teopista Ssentongo was re-elected as chairperson of the gender, labour and social development committee. Her deputy is Hood Katuramu (PWD).
Loi Kiryapaawo (Budaka) was re-appointed to chair the foreign affairs committee, deputised by Onyango Kakoba (Buikwe north).

Bushenyi Woman MP Karooro Okurut was re-elected to chair the presidential committee, deputised by Ruth Tuma , the Jinja woman MP while Peter Nyombi of Nakasongola was re-elected to chair the legal and parliamentary affairs committee. His deputised is by Tashobya Stephen –NewVision