House Disagrees On Disaster Areas

By John Odyek and John KakandePARLIAMENT failed to agree yesterday on a motion seeking to declare the war-ravaged districts of Gulu, Pader, Kitgum and some counties in Lira and Apac as disaster areas that require special government and international intervention.Bright Rwamirama (Isingiro North) moved a motion on Thursday seeking Parliament to deduct sh100,000 from the MPs’ pay for humanitarian aid to the war-torn areas.Dora Byamukama (Mwenge South) seconded the motion, saying she visited the districts and was shocked by the fear in the people’s eyes.Beatrice Kiraso (Kabarole) moved an amendment to the motion urging government to declare Apac, Lira, Oyam, Erute Kole, Otuke and Moroto counties disaster areas. The amendment generated a heated debate, leaving the House divided. She said unless government declared the areas disaster areas there would be no donor support.However, Premier Apolo Nsibambi said the amendment would undermine government. “We are not in a position to declare a disaster. We shall be playing into the hands of our adversaries,” he said.Ends