New MPs Silent in Parliament Despite Ousting Giants

When the 12th Parliament convened, voters anticipated that the newcomers who defeated seasoned legislators would immediately bring their energy to the floor. However, the initial 100 days have been marked by a surprising lack of contribution from many of these fresh faces, according to an analysis of the Hansard records.

For numerous MPs, their presence in the official parliamentary record is minimal, often limited to taking their oath and being assigned to committees. This stands in stark contrast to the previous Parliament, where figures like Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda and Mathias Mpuuga were consistently vocal, driving debates on public spending and executive accountability.

Some new MPs, such as George Musisi of Kira Municipality who replaced Ssemujju, argue that focusing solely on speaking time in the main chamber overlooks the critical work done in committee rooms. Musisi, now deputy chairperson of the Committee on Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), highlighted the immense backlog of reports his committee inherited, demanding immediate attention.

Other notable newcomers, like Emmanuel Magoola Matovu (Busiro East) and Erias Mukiibi Sserunjogi (Butambala), have yet to make any recorded contributions in plenary. Similarly, MPs replacing other well-known debaters have also remained quiet, suggesting a steep learning curve for many.

Even when new MPs attempt to speak, the transition can be challenging. Sadala Wandera’s attempt to raise a critical road safety issue was cut short by the Deputy Speaker, who advised a more direct approach to presentation, illustrating the pressure to articulate concerns concisely.

Recognizing these challenges, the Deputy Speaker has agreed to allocate dedicated three-minute slots for uninterrupted maiden speeches to help new members find their voice. While some ambitious newcomers like Robert Maseruka have managed to assert themselves early on, many are still navigating the complexities of parliamentary procedure.

The sustained dominance of experienced lawmakers in debates fuels a crucial question for constituents: are these new MPs effectively honing their skills behind closed doors, or are their electorates currently lacking a strong voice in national policy discussions?

https://observer.ug/news/they-toppled-giant-mps-but-cant-speak