Three MPs to share office space . . . for now

May 23, 2016

"It's true there is accommodation constraint, which is being worked on."

PIC: Parliament's communications director, Chris Obore says plans are under way to hire more space. (File photo: Kennedy Oryema)

KAMPALA - At least three MPs will have to share office space until the Parliament Commission finds additional space in the nearby buildings.

Parliament's communications director, Chris Obore, said sharing space is a short term arrangement as negotiations between Parliament administration and owners of buildings around Parliament continue to get members offices.

"It's true there is accommodation constraint, which is being worked on. We are planning to hire more space to cater for those who will have missed space," said Obore.

He explained that the available space has already been given to various party whips to allocate to members.

Obore added that there is already space for committee chairpersons and their deputies; and some members already have space at Development House.

Parliament rents the buiding to accommodate office space for MPs.

Buzaaya County MP Isaac Musumba was optmistic that space will be created when some MPs are appointed ministers.

"The current space is being shared among three members. But we are hoping that when  ministers are appointed there will be some relief as these will go to other offices and create space," said Musumba.

Musumba added that the shortage of space is not limited to offices alone but also to the chamber which he said cannot accommodate the over 400 MPs since it was designed for only 100 MPs.

"The Speaker should treat this as a matter of urgency. You cannot put over 400 MPs in a chamber that was designed for 100 members."

According to Musumba, the issue of office space dates back to the Constituent Assembly days.

Kasanda South MP Simeo Nsubuga said they were determined to execute their work as they wait for parliament to find them offices.

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