Opposition to move motion on conduct of Oulanyah

By Mary Karugaba and John Odyek

KAMPALA - The opposition have accused deputy speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanyah of being biased while conducting business in the house.

In a motion to be moved by the leader of opposition Nandala Mafabi, the opposition wants Oulanyah to apologize to the House for reportedly violating the parliamentary procedures.

According to Mafabi, Oulanyah while conducting business on Tuesday on the Public Order management Bill, he failed to observe rule 78(2) of the rules of procedure when he changed the voting method from roll call to voice voting without a substantive motion on notice.

They also accused him of “uncontrolled emotions, outbursts during parliamentary sittings arising from his own submission that he had lost his brother therefore chairing the house in an unhealthy state of mood and mind.”

They proposed that the Deputy Speaker’s conduct be investigated by the Parliamentary committee on Rules, Discipline and Privileges for further management. They also want him to apologize to the House for

During the debate on Tuesday, Mafabi asked Oulanyah to explain to the House why he changed the rules on voting.

Parliament on Tuesday passed the controversial Public Order Management Bill amidst protest from the opposition. The opposition complained that the Bill was not part of the day’s agenda and therefore moved to block it.

The Bill seeks to regulate public meetings specifies the duties and responsibilities of the police and the organizers and participants during public meetings as well as prescribed measures for safeguarding public order.  

“Last week you ruled that voting on the Bill would be by roll call. Yesterday, you changed the rules and directed that voting is by voice, was it good for you as the custodian of the rules?” Mafabi asked.

Oulanyah explained that the rule was changed because the register was torn by one of the members Odonga Otto (FDC).

He however said in case any of any grievances by his decision; members should seek redress by presenting a motion in the House.

 “You saw what happened last week. The register was torn to threads in our presence. But the decision of the speaker or the house is final. If any member feels aggrieved, you know what the rules say,” he said.

Mafabi requested to move a motion over his conduct but Oulanyah declined saying he should wait until the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga is in the chair.

“The rules of natural justice demand that you cannot be a judge in our court. I cannot proceed over a matter where I am the subject matter. Wait until the Speaker is in the chair and you raise the complaints,” Oulanyah said.