Stop constituency fund, say leaders
Oct 27, 2009
LEADERS attending a parliamentary seminar on the role of MPs have called for the abolition of the annual constituency development fund given to MPs.
By Henry Mukasa
LEADERS attending a parliamentary seminar on the role of MPs have called for the abolition of the annual constituency development fund given to MPs.
The leaders argued that the sh10m was too little to create an impact in a constituency, and instead distracts MPs from their cardinal role of legislation.
The two-day seminar focused on the contribution of Parliament to peace and reconciliation in Uganda.
It was attended by MPs, district leaders and members of the civil society.
The seminar was organised by Parliament in conjunction with the Inter-Parliamentary Union at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.
The assault on the fund was launched by Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng, who said MPs had forgotten their constitutional mandate by indulging in distribution of freebies.
“The work of MPs is not to give soap and pens as we often hear them promise voters, it is not to promise to build roads, but to ensure the laws maintain peace, order, development and good governance,†the bishop stated.
“If you fail to make laws that ensure the above, you would have failed in your work,†he said.
Onweng asked MPs to be focused, exercise self control and be at peace in order to perform well.
“You must focus on building and not breaking the nation,†he advised.
Odonga Otto of the Forum for Democratic Change called for the scrapping of the fund.
“How can you give me money less than my salary for constituent development for the whole year?†he asked.
Odonga also called for the elevation of constituencies to district level so that MPs become governors as a way of reducing administrative costs.
Willy Anokbonggo of the Uganda People’s Congress noted that MPs need to disentangle themselves from chaos as they try to do Government work.
Auru Anne said the demands by voters had made MPs divert from their duties.
LEADERS attending a parliamentary seminar on the role of MPs have called for the abolition of the annual constituency development fund given to MPs.
The leaders argued that the sh10m was too little to create an impact in a constituency, and instead distracts MPs from their cardinal role of legislation.
The two-day seminar focused on the contribution of Parliament to peace and reconciliation in Uganda.
It was attended by MPs, district leaders and members of the civil society.
The seminar was organised by Parliament in conjunction with the Inter-Parliamentary Union at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.
The assault on the fund was launched by Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng, who said MPs had forgotten their constitutional mandate by indulging in distribution of freebies.
“The work of MPs is not to give soap and pens as we often hear them promise voters, it is not to promise to build roads, but to ensure the laws maintain peace, order, development and good governance,†the bishop stated.
“If you fail to make laws that ensure the above, you would have failed in your work,†he said.
Onweng asked MPs to be focused, exercise self control and be at peace in order to perform well.
“You must focus on building and not breaking the nation,†he advised.
Odonga Otto of the Forum for Democratic Change called for the scrapping of the fund.
“How can you give me money less than my salary for constituent development for the whole year?†he asked.
Odonga also called for the elevation of constituencies to district level so that MPs become governors as a way of reducing administrative costs.
Willy Anokbonggo of the Uganda People’s Congress noted that MPs need to disentangle themselves from chaos as they try to do Government work.
Auru Anne said the demands by voters had made MPs divert from their duties.