FDC backs NRM rebel MPs expulsion

By JEFF ANDREW LULE AND CYNTHIA ABER    
            
Uganda’s main opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has welcomed a move by NRM to expel rebel MPs over indiscipline.

FDC Spokesperson, Wafula Oguttu, on Monday told a news conference in Kampala that “there is no institution that can survive without discipline.”

He said each political party has well laid out rules and regulations which members are expected to adhere to irrespective of their divergent views.

“I have no problem with NRM’s move for expelling their MPs if it is a matter of indiscipline. If a member misbehaves, the party executive should to take action,” Oguttu said.

The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) over the weekend resolved to expel four MPs for turning down the summons of the disciplinary committee over opposing party positions and violating the party’s code of conduct in Parliament and hobnobbing with members of the opposition. The MPs now cease being NRM MPs.

The MPs include: Theodore Sekikubo (Lwemiyaga), Mohammed Nsereko (Kampala Central), Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East) and Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga).

One MP, Vincent Kyamadidi was also suspended for three months because he responded to the summons.

However, Oguttu said the MPs should not be expelled based on ideological disagreements because they are supposed to represent their voters.

“Our MPs were voted by their people in different areas and those people want to see their issues presented to Parliament. On such grounds, the party cannot expect an MP to keep silent because there is a party position, “he noted.