MPs okay regional tier motion
May 20, 2005
Parliamentarians yesterday voted overwhelmingly in support of regional governance.
By Felix Osike and Joyce Namutebi
Parliamentarians yesterday voted overwhelmingly in support of regional governance.
A total of 244 out of 301 voting MPs approved the proposal, while eight rejected it after five days of debate in which 84 MPs spoke for or against the Bill.
The voting was at the second reading that marked the end of the general debate. Now, the Bill has one more step, the third reading, at which another two-thirds majority vote is required for it to be passed.
Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga said MPs had up to one month to consult their constituents before the Bill is finally considered.
In a rare show of solidarity, multiparty MPs Nobert Mao, Odonga Otto, Aggrey Awori, Patrick Mwondha, Kassiano Wadri, Zachary Olum, Salaam Musumba, Geoffrey Ekanya and Francis Epetait voted in unison with the Movementists, attracting wild cheers from Buganda MPs.
Army MPs, including army commander Lt. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Col. Noble Mayombo, Col. Elly Kayanja, Lt. Gen. Elly Tumwine and Lt. Col. Phinehas Katirima, who are attending a command course at Kimaka in Jinja, turned up for the voting.
Only three ministers Kahinda Otafiire, Andruale Awuzu and Christine Aporu were absent.
State minister for justice and constitutional affairs Adolf Mwesige said the regional tier system, if adopted by Parliament, would become operational in the 2006/2007 financial year.
Those who rejected the motion were Maj. John Kazoora, Capt. Charles Byaruhanga, former ethics minister Miria Matembe, Nandala Mafabi, Elijah Okupa, Jack Sabiti, Martin Wandera and Christopher Kibanzanga.
Wandera argued, “The House should ask itself what evil we are trying to cure in terms of delivery of services to our people.â€
He said he was worried that creating regional governments would lead to unnecessary decision-making structures.
Only one MP, John Arumadri (Madi-Okolo), abstained while a host of other MPs were absent during the voting done by the newly-introduced roll- calling method.
On Thursday, the NRM parliamentary caucus headed by the works minister John Nasasira met to rally support for the Bill.
A week before, President Yoweri Museveni met Movement MPs and advised them to support the Bill.
Nakasongola MPs Muruli Mukasa and Grace Tubwita, whose constituents oppose including their district in Buganda region, also supported the Bill.
MPs who were absent included Cecilia Ogwal, Omara Atubo, Betty Amongi, Latif Sebaggala and Dr. Speciosa Wandira.
Parliamentarians yesterday voted overwhelmingly in support of regional governance.
A total of 244 out of 301 voting MPs approved the proposal, while eight rejected it after five days of debate in which 84 MPs spoke for or against the Bill.
The voting was at the second reading that marked the end of the general debate. Now, the Bill has one more step, the third reading, at which another two-thirds majority vote is required for it to be passed.
Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga said MPs had up to one month to consult their constituents before the Bill is finally considered.
In a rare show of solidarity, multiparty MPs Nobert Mao, Odonga Otto, Aggrey Awori, Patrick Mwondha, Kassiano Wadri, Zachary Olum, Salaam Musumba, Geoffrey Ekanya and Francis Epetait voted in unison with the Movementists, attracting wild cheers from Buganda MPs.
Army MPs, including army commander Lt. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Col. Noble Mayombo, Col. Elly Kayanja, Lt. Gen. Elly Tumwine and Lt. Col. Phinehas Katirima, who are attending a command course at Kimaka in Jinja, turned up for the voting.
Only three ministers Kahinda Otafiire, Andruale Awuzu and Christine Aporu were absent.
State minister for justice and constitutional affairs Adolf Mwesige said the regional tier system, if adopted by Parliament, would become operational in the 2006/2007 financial year.
Those who rejected the motion were Maj. John Kazoora, Capt. Charles Byaruhanga, former ethics minister Miria Matembe, Nandala Mafabi, Elijah Okupa, Jack Sabiti, Martin Wandera and Christopher Kibanzanga.
Wandera argued, “The House should ask itself what evil we are trying to cure in terms of delivery of services to our people.â€
He said he was worried that creating regional governments would lead to unnecessary decision-making structures.
Only one MP, John Arumadri (Madi-Okolo), abstained while a host of other MPs were absent during the voting done by the newly-introduced roll- calling method.
On Thursday, the NRM parliamentary caucus headed by the works minister John Nasasira met to rally support for the Bill.
A week before, President Yoweri Museveni met Movement MPs and advised them to support the Bill.
Nakasongola MPs Muruli Mukasa and Grace Tubwita, whose constituents oppose including their district in Buganda region, also supported the Bill.
MPs who were absent included Cecilia Ogwal, Omara Atubo, Betty Amongi, Latif Sebaggala and Dr. Speciosa Wandira.