Young MP Alengot's 30 days as a parliamentarian

By Henry Sekanjako

 It is one month since Proscovia Alengot Oromait was sworn in as Member of Parliament (MP) for Usuk County, Katakwi district, but what has Uganda’s youngest MP done a month later, as a legislature?

Alengot was sworn in on September 20 and has been religiously attending plenary sessions to fully debate on issues that affect her electorate.

Two weeks after her swearing in, Alengot rose to the floor and applead to the Government to come to the rescue of her electorate, who were affected by floods as a result of heavy rains in Usuk.

“I appeal to the Government to come to our rescue. The floods have cut off most of the roads and they are now impassable,” Alengot remarked amid applause from fellow MPs.

During her maiden speech on the floor of Parliament, Alengot took some time off to thank her electorate in Usuk for voting for her and promised to lobby for their needs.

Alengot has been a good time keeper during her one month period in Parliament and she likes to occupy the second and third bench, where she sits with fellow women MPs.

When she is in the house, Alengot pays attention to the proceedings. She has not been quick to join debates. She is taking it a step at a time and is still learning how other people do it on the floor of Parliament so that she can be sure of what to say when her turn comes.

The young MP, however, has not been so active when it comes to committee work. Infact, a source said they have never seen her near any committee room where MPs meet to deliberate on policy issues among other legislative duties.

Alengot took over her father‘s membership on the Parliament’s Committee of Government Assurances and Finance, where he was known to be an eloquent contributor.

When she is at Parliament, Alengot, who has not yet familiarised herself with most of her colleagues, is always seen in company of either Suzan Amero (Amuria district) or Jessica Alupo (Education minister, woman MP Katakwi district).

The two are said to be her mentors, who did a lot to inspire her into the political field after the death of her father, Michael Oromait. Alengot is also many times seen in company of motherly women MPs. They clearly treat her like she is one of their young daughters they have to keep a watchful eye on.

Sylish alengot

Alengot is quite the trendy MP. This is evident in her way of dressing while at Parliament.

She puts on body fitting suits and dresses.

Her dresses and skirts are always above the knee. You can also be sure to see her in matching outfits including the handbags she carries.

She adds to her elegance a baby cut hairstyle. Sources say, Alengot’s dress icon is minister Alupo. The minister’s style seems to be rubbing off well on Uganda’s youngest MP.