The speaker of parliament has promised to name and shame ministers who have made it their business to miss all plenary sessions.
Rt. Hon. Rebcca Kadaga made the promise last evening after only 10 ministers out of the over 80 showed up for plenary.
Members of parliament were angered by the continued absentia of ministers who are supposed to present Bills and bring business to the house.
Kadaga cited an example of the ministry of Agriculture which never brought any business to the house during the 9th parliament as they were always absent.
Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, Opposition Chief Whip, said that despite the fact that Parliament approved the increment of cabinet and state ministers from 42 to 80, their performance is wanting and should be looked into urgently.
She was supported by MPs William Nzoghu, the Busongora North who lamented over the continued appointment of political instead of technical ministers capable of running ministries. Leader of Opposition, Winnie Kiiza, Patrick Nsamba and Wilfred Niwagaba suggested that the Appointments and Rules committees come up with sanctions.
This prompted Speaker Kadaga to promise to read out the list of absentee ministers when the House resumes on Tuesday next week.
“We haven’t seen government business, that’s why I have closed business today because government has failed to bring business. Where is the cabinet?” Kadaga wondered.
However, 1st Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Moses Ali suggested a meeting between speaker Kadaga and the leader of government business in the house, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda so as to reach an agreement and find a way to force these ministers to return to the house and do their job.
