MP Ngompek Questions Empty Front Benches and Ministerial Absenteeism in Parliament

Kibanda North County MP Linos Ngompek has raised concerns over the persistent absence of government ministers during parliamentary sessions. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the legislator questioned whether the House can effectively carry out its constitutional duty of holding the government accountable when the front-bench seats remain largely empty.

Ngompek pointed out that despite the parliamentary Appointments Committee having approved a total of more than 80 ministers, only a tiny fraction of them show up for plenary business. He humorously dismissed potential excuses regarding leave, noting that he had never witnessed a female minister go on maternity leave nor a male minister formally request paternity leave during his tenure.

The legislator’s remarks highlight broader, long-standing concerns regarding ministerial absenteeism and the resulting delays in obtaining timely government responses to pressing national matters raised by lawmakers.

Regular attendance by ministers is considered vital for robust parliamentary scrutiny. It allows legislators to directly question executive representatives regarding critical policy decisions, public expenditure, and overall service delivery across the country.

Previously, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa issued warnings regarding ministerial absenteeism, directing that ministers themselves—rather than delegated state officials—must personally answer queries raised on the floor of the House.

For more details on this story, read the original report on Nile Post.