POLITICS | PARLIAMENT | TAYEBWA

KAMPALA - MPs have now spent a year and half in Parliament and should have learned all the necessary rules and procedures of Parliament.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa on Thursday (December 8) said the Legislators went through induction, have debated, made mistakes and should have learned from them.

“We have spent a year in Parliament now. We are no longer learning. We should avoid maiden speeches. Next year we should do better,” Tayebwa said. 

Tayebwa was presiding over the end of year party for Parliament.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa is joined by female MPs as they danced to the Afrigo beats. (All Photos by Edith Namayanja)

Large tents in national colours were set at the Parliament Ground Floor Parking for the event. 

The jingle bell songs, music and entertainment were provided by the re-known Afrigo Band and the talented youthful Ibwalet Crane Performers. 

During the event, cultural dances were performed by MPs from Nebbi, Buganda, and Teso. 

Odongo Romeo with his popular Acholi hit song Yoo Leng (the path is clear) at the thrilling event said that during the Omoro by-election to replace the late Oulanyah, Tayebwa had promised him he would perform at one of the events in Parliament. 

Crane Performers perform with cultural instruments.

Odongo thanked Tayebwa for allowing him to perform at the event.

Tayebwa said the MPs had done well in the difficult year and recalled that Parliament went through a difficult year following the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

Tayebwa said MPs had passed Bills, raised motions, and put-up questions for oral answers. 

“We have completed all the Bills. We are demanding for business from the Government, MPs have performed their Constitutional duties well,” he said.

He commended the team work that has been exhibited in Parliament between the NRM MPs, opposition MPs and independents, whips and the Leader of the Opposition.

MPs Elijah Okupa and Silas Aogon dance to 'paka kiini' song.

He noted all support staff, Police, cleaners, everyone working in and around Parliament was important and played important roles that cannot be ignored.

“As the leadership of Parliament, on a daily basis we are thinking how to make things better for Parliament,” Tayebwa said.

He appreciated the role journalists have played providing coverage to the House.

Tayebwa apologized to MPs and staff for any shortcomings. He said they were going through a learning process. 

MPs Mpindi Bumali and Ronald Balimwezo enjoy performances at the party.

Tayebwa asked MPs to learn to apologise when they make mistakes.

Tayebwa congratulated three members of staff who had reached 60 years, the mandatory retirement age and had their last emotional Christmas party with their colleagues.

Paul Wabwire, the deputy chief clerk, thanked the MPs and the staff of Parliament for the work they had done in 2022.

Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament, was anxiously waited for by MPs but did not show up in the Range Rover with Number AAA 3. 

Tayebwa said she was held with work and meetings expected the next day.

The Leader of Opposition, Mathais Mpuuga, is served food.

During the late evening of the party, MPs and staff danced furiously as they ate and drunk. 

Lots of unopened beer, soda and water bottles were left on tables late in the evening.

There were no differences between the opposition and ruling party NRM MPs on the dance floor. 

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Rukia Nakadama, the Deputy Prime Minister, various ministers danced with joy and excitement.