MPs back live bullets to stop rioters
<b>PARLIAMENT</b><br><br><b>MPs debate President Museveni’s riot speech</b><br>Parliament spent two days debating President Yoweri Museveni’s statement to Parliament, after the recent riots in the Buganda.
PARLIAMENT
MPs debate President Museveni’s riot speech
Parliament spent two days debating President Yoweri Museveni’s statement to Parliament, after the recent riots in the Buganda. Tempers flared between the opposition and members of the ruling NRM, however, both shared their grief with those who lost loved ones. Information minister, Kirunda Kivejinja said 27 people had been confirmed dead as a result of the riots and 82 injured. Of the 846 people arrested in connection with the riots, 745 have already appeared in court. “The majority of those taken to court have been charged with inciting violence, participating in unlawful assembly, causing destruction and terrorism,†Kivejinja said. The opposition criticised the way the security forces handled the riots and decried the restrictions to freedom of association and speech. NRM legislators, on the other hand, condemned the violence by the rioters, praised Museveni for promoting dialogue and called for traditional leaders to stay out of politics.
NRM caucus rejects Federo
Meanwhile, the federal system of governance that is being demanded by Mengo was rejected by NRM MPs.
They instead, supported President Yoweri Museveni’s idea to have the regional tier to be implemented next financial year. The caucus meeting, chaired by NRM chief whip Daudi Migereko, condemned the riots. They also supported the decision to use live bullets to shoot-to-disable rioters although some members cautioned that excessive force should not be used. They demanded that the riot supects who were still in Police custody be charged soon.
Fisheries development
project fails
Parliament also heard that the Fisheries Development Project worth $22m (sh42b) had failed to achieve its objectives since its launch in 2003. “The project has failed to register its intended purpose yet funds were allocated and disbursed by the Government,†said Oliver Wonekha, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on agriculture. The committee was discussing an audit report on the development of landing sites and infrastructural expansion for aquaculture.
Kiyonga seeks to change mandate of AU force
Defence minister Crispus Kiyonga wants the mandate of the peacekeeping force in Somalia to be reviewed.
He said the African Union (AU) force, composed mostly of Ugandan soldiers, should be allowed to attack insurgents. “Now, the mandate is framed in a way that they cannot attack. They might even know that the insurgents are planning an attack, but they cannot attack them,†he said. The idea was welcomed by the majority of MPs. A total of 45 Ugandan soldiers have died since the AU operation started in March 2007.
Varsity students petition parliament
Masters students from Makerere and Mbarara universities petitioned Parliament over a raise in the university passmark. The universities in 2008 agreed to increase the passmark from 50 to 60 percent for postgraduate programmes. Over 20 students and their parents presented the petition to Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga. Makerere University academic registrar, Amos Olal Odul, noted that the new policy was passed by the Senate after reviewing the institutions’ grading system.
Parliament employee suspected of rape
On a rather unfortunate incident, an employee of Parliament is suspected of attempting to rape an intern attached to the Parliament budget office. Edison Karamaji had been summoned to appear at Nakawa magistrate’s court on Wednesday to answer the charges, but he did not. He allegedly committed the offence in October 2008. Parliament spokes person Hellen Kaweesa confirmed the case, adding that the Parliament’s Commission is also investigating the matter.
MPs debate President Museveni’s riot speech
Parliament spent two days debating President Yoweri Museveni’s statement to Parliament, after the recent riots in the Buganda. Tempers flared between the opposition and members of the ruling NRM, however, both shared their grief with those who lost loved ones. Information minister, Kirunda Kivejinja said 27 people had been confirmed dead as a result of the riots and 82 injured. Of the 846 people arrested in connection with the riots, 745 have already appeared in court. “The majority of those taken to court have been charged with inciting violence, participating in unlawful assembly, causing destruction and terrorism,†Kivejinja said. The opposition criticised the way the security forces handled the riots and decried the restrictions to freedom of association and speech. NRM legislators, on the other hand, condemned the violence by the rioters, praised Museveni for promoting dialogue and called for traditional leaders to stay out of politics.
NRM caucus rejects Federo
Meanwhile, the federal system of governance that is being demanded by Mengo was rejected by NRM MPs.
They instead, supported President Yoweri Museveni’s idea to have the regional tier to be implemented next financial year. The caucus meeting, chaired by NRM chief whip Daudi Migereko, condemned the riots. They also supported the decision to use live bullets to shoot-to-disable rioters although some members cautioned that excessive force should not be used. They demanded that the riot supects who were still in Police custody be charged soon.
Fisheries development
project fails
Parliament also heard that the Fisheries Development Project worth $22m (sh42b) had failed to achieve its objectives since its launch in 2003. “The project has failed to register its intended purpose yet funds were allocated and disbursed by the Government,†said Oliver Wonekha, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on agriculture. The committee was discussing an audit report on the development of landing sites and infrastructural expansion for aquaculture.
Kiyonga seeks to change mandate of AU force
Defence minister Crispus Kiyonga wants the mandate of the peacekeeping force in Somalia to be reviewed.
He said the African Union (AU) force, composed mostly of Ugandan soldiers, should be allowed to attack insurgents. “Now, the mandate is framed in a way that they cannot attack. They might even know that the insurgents are planning an attack, but they cannot attack them,†he said. The idea was welcomed by the majority of MPs. A total of 45 Ugandan soldiers have died since the AU operation started in March 2007.
Varsity students petition parliament
Masters students from Makerere and Mbarara universities petitioned Parliament over a raise in the university passmark. The universities in 2008 agreed to increase the passmark from 50 to 60 percent for postgraduate programmes. Over 20 students and their parents presented the petition to Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga. Makerere University academic registrar, Amos Olal Odul, noted that the new policy was passed by the Senate after reviewing the institutions’ grading system.
Parliament employee suspected of rape
On a rather unfortunate incident, an employee of Parliament is suspected of attempting to rape an intern attached to the Parliament budget office. Edison Karamaji had been summoned to appear at Nakawa magistrate’s court on Wednesday to answer the charges, but he did not. He allegedly committed the offence in October 2008. Parliament spokes person Hellen Kaweesa confirmed the case, adding that the Parliament’s Commission is also investigating the matter.