Parliament has asked the Minister of Public Service not to promise what he cannot fulfill.

Debating the Minister of Public Service's statement on a pay rise for public servants, the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among wondered why the Minister has been promising the public servants especially teachers a pay increase when he cannot do so.

Among was concerned that despite the numerous discussions on the matter with different stakeholders, industrial actions by teachers have continued and nothing has been done to improve their working conditions.

Among also said that if the approved pay plan was implemented, there would be no industrial action today.

The House continues to discuss the matter, “If you had implemented that in a phased way, the story would be different and that is an embarrassment to us. Of course, you cannot give what you don’t have. If you don’t have, you would rather say, you don’t have but you can’t keep promising what you cannot fulfill. By the way, these people understand. If we don’t have, we don’t have,” she said.

This was after Minister Muruli Mukasa said the Government is committed to enhancing the pay rise for all public servants in a phased manner as the resources become available through the expansion of the sectors, especially Agriculture.

Presenting the Government’s statement on an enhanced pay rise, Muruli majorly presented the background to the issue and kept the planned action brief which angered the members including Parliament Speaker Anita Among who demanded an explanation.

Muruli cited continuous engagement with the office of Prime Minister and Vice President by UNATU members. He also said Government is implementing a phased approved pay plan that has started with.

“I note that the background is elaborate but the planned action by the government is quite brief. It is lacking something that should be done,” she said.

Yesterday the House chaired by Anita Among yesterday (Tuesday) directed the Minister of Public Service Muruli Mukasa to present a comprehensive statement on the matter.

This was after MPs demanded a debate on the matter. The house continues debating the matter