CORRIDORS OF POWER

Intrigued Otekat
- MPs do not cease to amuse. While grilling the Minister of Public Service, Seezi Mbaguta on why the District Service Commissions (DSCs) take bribes from applicants, the minister said the DSCs are faced with political interference. Serere County MP, John Otekat said: “But you were appointed on merit.” The Kalungu West MP was quick to note: “How can you say that, there were no interviews in appointing ministers. The President also appoints those that have helped him in getting votes,” he said, causing laughter from the audience.

Procured tea
- Parliamentarians are keen on fighting corruption. MPs on the public service and local government committees recently charged local government minister Adolf Mwesige concerning procured tea to his constituency: “Hon. Minister, this tea was rightly procured for you and your people, we are not selfish so you can take it,” they said. This attracted laughter from those present.

President’s work?
- MPs were greatly amused recently when Kilak County MP, Michael Ocula demanded that the President stop granting districts to whoever asks for them whenever he attends weddings in the villages. Ocula suggested that the President should tell such people that he will first consult with his technical team and then report back to them. Rubanda East MP Pereza Ahabwe, also state minister for local government defended his boss and was quick to say: “Presidents don’t talk to their subjects like that, they give directives.”

Bakeine’s surprise
- The Bugangaizi County MP Mabel Bakeine, has trouble remembering Uganda’s number of districts. She recently attracted laughter when she tried to tell the committee that Maracha and Terego were two separate districts. Committee chairman Anthony Yiga asked her: “Are you in Uganda? Terego and Maracha is one district.” An embarrassed Bakeine admitted and replied, “Really?”