The idea of holding regional parliamentary sittings has sparked a flow of opinions if it is to be implemented against the will of those opposing it.
Mr John Tumusiime, a resident of Kiryateete cell in Hoima city, said in a message during the ‘Kangabaije online’ show that the idea is uncalled for and a waste of taxpayer’s money.
Mr Kasim Asiimwe, a member of Kangabaije pressure group, said that if the legislators insist on the idea, the ordinary people should be allowed to speak to the floor of parliament.
“That is when we can believe that the idea is pro-people not creating avenues for abusing taxpayer’s money,” he said.
Mr Geoffrey Sunday, the Kangabaije pressure group Chairman, said that community elders and district chairpersons should also be allowed to speak on the floor of parliament because he believes they can appreciate community issues better than legislators.
“Presenting the issues of Bunyoro like the university, land grabbing, opportunities in the oil sector and the challenges of fishermen can be told without regional sittings,” he said.
“That idea is wrong. Instead of that at least the President could be the one to start appointing committees to move to regions and be able to collect views and we stop voting MPs,” he said.
The first regional parliamentary sitting is set for August 29th to 30th, 2024, at Kaunda playgrounds in Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu city in northern Uganda.
Leaders in Gulu are advising local entrepreneurs to tap opportunities during the regional parliamentary sitting.
The lawmakers are also preparing the ideas they will present as regional MPs during the sittings.
The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, said that they were not for the idea.
