Tayebwa seeks reforms in MPs’ medical referral process

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The deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has questioned the Uganda Medical Board over what he termed as delays in approving requests by Members of Parliament seeking medical treatment abroad, warning that the practice risks lives and could lead to devastating consequences.

During the orientation of members of the 12th Parliament at Parliament on Tuesday (May 26th), Tayebwa revealed that several legislators in previous parliaments had been forced to seek urgent intervention from parliamentary leadership after delays in the approval of overseas medical referrals.

According to Tayebwa, some MPs had reached out to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker as a last resort while battling serious illnesses that required emergency treatment outside the country.

“The practice of delaying and sometimes denying approvals for treatment abroad risks lives,” Tayebwa said, noting that the issue has become a growing concern among legislators.

He disclosed that Parliament’s leadership is engaging the Uganda Medical Board to ensure immediate improvements in the handling of medical referral requests involving MPs.

Tayebwa said Parliament wants the approval process streamlined and handled with urgency, similar to the system used for ministers seeking treatment abroad.

The Deputy Speaker’s remarks came as Parliament commenced orientation for newly elected members of the 12th Parliament, an exercise aimed at introducing legislators to parliamentary procedures, administration, oversight responsibilities and the general operations of the House.

During the session, Tayebwa also assured MPs that the leadership of Parliament would ensure fairness in allocating time for debate during plenary sittings.

He urged legislators to prepare adequately for debates and contribute meaningfully to issues affecting the country.

Tayebwa noted that the quality of debate in the 12th Parliament will attract significant public scrutiny, especially in an era dominated by social media and increased citizen engagement.

According to him, MPs must therefore match the level of debate expected of them by Ugandans through research, preparation and proper understanding of national issues.

The Deputy Speaker further called on the legislators to adjust their conduct to suit their new responsibilities and status as Members of Parliament.

Tayebwa encouraged the legislators to embrace Parliament as an institution and understand the responsibilities entrusted to them by Ugandans after taking the oath of office.

He also urged the MPs to rely on institutional systems and procedures within Parliament instead of always looking to the Speaker or Deputy Speaker for intervention on every matter.

“You’re the ones now in charge of the situation here,” he said.

At the same time, Tayebwa encouraged the lawmakers to appreciate the achievement of making it to Parliament following highly competitive campaigns across the country.

“So take time and enjoy the moment. Enjoy the moment because you worked for it and you deserve it,” he told the legislators.

The Deputy Speaker also briefed the MPs on the planned induction programme, which will include training on the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, committee work, legislative processes, oversight responsibilities and the relationship between Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary.

The orientation programme for the 12th Parliament started on May 26 and is expected to run for three days, with further induction sessions planned after the State of the Nation Address and presentation of the national budget.

There are 529 MPs in the 12th Parliament. Of these, 372 belong to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), National Unity Platform has 50 MPs, Uganda People’s Congress 11 MPs, Forum for Democratic Change eight MPs, Democratic Party six MPs, People’s Front for Freedom two MPs and Alliance for National Transformation one MP. Parliament also has 68 independent MPs, many of whom are considered sympathetic to the ruling NRM party.