Strategic scribes
EVER since Eastern Youth MP, Denis Obua, declared his intentions to stand for presidency, journalists are trying to be close to him. Many scribes (especially the female reporters) always visit the MP in office before starting their day’s assignments. They have even allocated themselves ministries. And whenever Obua meets the female scribes in the corridors of Parliament, he identifies them by their preferred ministries. He has already appointed ministers for the president’s welfare, oil and one in charge of the president’s family.

Kutesa’s spokesmen
Sam Kutesa, the foreign affairs minister, has unofficial spokesmen. While appearing before the public accounts committee last week, NRM MPs — Saleh Kamba, Tindamanyire Kabondo, and Alex Byarugaba acted like his lawyers. Whenever the committee grilled Kutesa, the ‘spokesmen’ quickly argued that Kutesa was acting on behalf of the Government sub-committee, or that his aggressors were out of order. This prompted committee chairperson, Nandala Mafabi, to caution members: “Let us behave. We should not be seen to be taking sides. Like Hon. Byarugaba, you are purporting to speak for the minister.”

Grateful Kamuntu
IT is rare to find ministers and NRM MPs applauding committee chairpersons from the opposition. However, Ephraim Kamuntu, the state minister for finance, gives credit where it is due. Recently, he thanked Reagan Okumu, the committee chairperson of the commissions and statutory enterprises, for allowing him skip the scheduled committee meeting for another meeting. Excited, Kamuntu said: “May you be the chair for ever.” This sent the MPs into laughter as he walked out.

Bahati’s brother
Politicians always have plan B for everything. During Chogm hearings conducted by the parliamentary committee of public accounts recently, Ndorwa West MP, David Bahati, amused fellow MPs when he claimed to be related to Rubanda West MP Henry Banyenzaki. This was after Banyenzaki criticised him for defending Saatchi and Saatchi in which Odrek Rwabogo, a son-in-law to President Yoweri Museveni, has shares. Banyenzaki said Bahati was involved in secret meetings to ensure the company is cleared of any wrong doing. In his response, Bahati said: “Henry is my elder brother. We speak the same language so don’t get scared of what he says about me.” However, members booed him in disagreement.