In an effort to clean parliament of corrupt staff,Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth has effected major management reshuffles,this website has learnt
Within the Office of the Speaker three senior officials have exchanged roles in a move aimed at strengthening efficiency and improving service delivery ahead of the new parliamentary session.
Leonard Okema, who previously served as Executive Secretary to the Speaker, has been promoted to Director of Clerks. Cosian Opata, formerly Director of Administration and Transport Logistics has been appointed Executive Secretary to the Speaker, while Ignatius Kasirye who had been serving as Director of Clerks, now takes charge of Administration and Transport Logistics.
As Director of Clerks, Okema will oversee Parliament’s clerical and legislative support services, including procedural advice to the Speaker and committees, management of the Order Paper, and coordination of plenary and committee business
The Parliamentary Service in Uganda has a workforce of roughly 669 employees, consisting of 556 permanent staff and 113 short-term contractors. Additionally, the legislative body includes 528 Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the nation.
The changes come as the 12th Parliament begins its first session, with 527 legislators expected to handle a heavy workload that includes budget approvals and scrutiny of executive appointments.
Only 130, or less than a quarter of the 527 members, are legislators returning from the 11th Parliament;, whereas the 397 others are comprised of members joining the Legislature for the first time including MPs representing special interest groups like the youth, elderly, workers and the UPDF; as well those who served in previous Parliaments and have made a come-back.
Among these is Hon. Nobert Mao (DP) representing Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City, who last served in the sixth and seventh parliaments, which ended in 2006. He has been ex-officio member and Minister of Justice. Hon. Chrispus Kiyonga (NRM), who is representing Bukonzo County West in Kasese District, last served in the ninth Parliament.
Others include Hon. Beatrice Rwakimari (NRM, Ruhaama County), Hon. Paula Turyahikayo (NRM, Rukungiri District), Hon. Charles Ngabirano (Ind., Rwampara East County, Hon. Genensio Tumuramye (NRM, Kashongi County) and Hon. James Kakooza representing Older Persons (Central Region); all who last served in the 10th Parliament.
Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi and Hon. Ofwono Opondo P’Odel are some of the new faces in the 12th Parliament, also representing Older Persons from the Western and Eastern regions respectively, alongside Hon. Catherine Mavenjina (Older Persons, Northern) and Hon. Waako Joy Peggy (Older Persons, Female) who are serving a second term.
Representing the Workers in Parliament are three new entrants including Hon. Gilbert Agaba, Hon. Fiona Nakku and Hon. Annet Birungi; who will serve alongside Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara and Hon. Margaret Rwabushaija that are continuing from the 11th Parliament.
Out of the ten UPDF representatives, the House has seven new members including Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Maj. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga, Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa, Brig. Gen. David Gonyi, Col. Christine Nekesa, Col. Sylvia Meeme and Col. Knight Ikiriza. The new MPs join Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Lt. Gen. Samuel Kavuma and Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko who have been serving in the 11th Parliament.
For the five MPs representing Persons with Disabilities, all but one – Hon. Robert Ssewagudde, have returned for another term.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, commended the previous House for its excellent performance in supporting all programmes of government, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“We have also been able to pass critical bills. A very good example is the Petroleum Supply Amendment Bill, which has brought security of fuel supply to the country. We also passed the Organ Donation and Transplant Law, which has enabled us to start performing critical surgeries that were being handled out of Uganda. I do hope the 12th Parliament is going to build on that,” Tayebwa said.
Buvuma Islands County MP, Hon. Robert Migadde, who is also the chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary SACCO, advised new MPs to stay away from exploitative money lenders and embrace saving groups.
