Parliamentary museum in the offing

Sep 15, 2016

Parliament approved the proposed plan for the construction of new chambers with a total floor area of 22,450sq m

The Parliamentary Commission has budgeted for sh150m for acquisition of consultancy services for establishment of a parliamentary museum according to sources.

On September 5th, Parliament put a bid notice in print media for consultancy services for establishment of a Parliamentary museum. It is indicated as procurement reference number PT/SRVCS/ODB/16-17/00008.

"The Parliamentary Commission has allocated funds for the acquisition of consultancy services for the establishment of a Parliamentary museum.

"The entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provisional of the above services" the notice reads in part.

"The proposal is at initial stages but if implemented the successful bidder shall carry out feasibility studies in countries having Commonwealth parliaments which have established museums to learn what fits Uganda's proposed parliamentary museum" a source at Parliament who preferred anonymity said.

In an interview with New Vision one of the commissioners Peter Ogwang (Usuk County MP), the arm in charge of members' welfare, chaired by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, justified the move.

"The move is for posterity. We want to preserve parliamentary historical memories for future generations" he said citing the Museum of Australian Democracy, a place that has historical beauty and magnificent designs.

Asked about the venue of the proposed museum, Ogwang explained that since Parliament approved the proposed plan for the construction of new Parliament chambers with a total floor area of 22,450sq m comprising of eight levels, plenty of room will be available.

Parliament's acting director of communication and public affairs Moses Bwalatum said Parliament has got historical memories such as the fragments of the moon brought back to Uganda by the crew that manned Apollo 2, the first spaceship to land on the moon in July 20, 1969.

"Other parliamentary memories are a copy of the first State of the Nation address given by the Duke of Kent on October 10, 1961, a copy of the National Anthem and an original copy of the House of Commons Rules of Procedure presented to Uganda's legislative council at the dawn of independence in September 1962," said Bwalatum.

What MPs Say

Makindye East MP Ibrahim Kasozi: It is a good move for Parliament to establish its museum, for historical memories, however government should provide funds to renovate the national museum.

Kasambya County MP Gaafa Mbwatekamwa: Parliament should not spend the tax payers' funds to set up a museum. Let the parliamentary historical memories be taken to the National Museum.

Katikamu South MP Semakula Lutamaguzi: It will promote tourism activities in the country.

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