Minister Baba, MP spar at parliament

A meeting between ministry of internal affairs top honchos and lawmakers sitting on the defense and internal affairs committee of parliament over the financial nitty-gritty pertaining to the ministry's budget for the next financial year almost turned ugly after James Baba labelled MP Fungaro Kaps' submission "irrelevant."

In his submission earlier today, Fungaro, a shadow minister of defense, had chided internal affairs minister and Bukedea woman MP, Rose Akol for her ministry's poor budget performance which stood at 47% as of December 2015.

Akol had earlier attributed the poor performance to ministry of finance which she said declines to release funds as approved by parliament during the budget process.
However, Fungaro deemed Akol's submission diversionary and accused her of being effete.
 
"You don't seem to be in charge of that ministry. Actually, you seem to be reporting to the Inspector General of Government, Gen. Kale Kayihura and not the other way round. Its Kayihura moving around with swag in a long convoy of vehicles," Fungaro said.
"Actually, some District Police Commanders seem more powerful than you. If you're not in that ministry, leave," Fungaro added.

Baba who had accompanied Akol to the committee could not wait for Fungaro to complete his submission saying; "These irrelevancies should not be allowed in this committee."
This sparked off a feisty exchange, forcing committee deputy chairperson, Dr. Eriaku Emmanuel to call the 'warring' duo to order.

Although debates in parliamentary committees and plenary sessions often get fiery, the parliamentary rules of procedure demand that legislators, their political differences notwithstanding, treat each with courtesy and decorum.