(Kampala) – Speaker Anita Among adjourned Parliament indefinitely after a dramatic day marked by heated debates and disruptions on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The decision came after the House passed six significant rationalisation Bills, which are now set to be sent to President Yoweri Museveni for assent. These Bills are part of the government’s broader effort to improve public sector efficiency and reduce administrative costs.
The Bills approved by Parliament include the Nonperforming Assets Recovery Trust (Repeal) Bill, the Tier 4 Microfinance Institutions and Money Lenders (Amendment) Bill, the Public Enterprises Reform and Divestiture (Amendment) Bill, the Uganda Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, the Uganda National Roads Authority (Repeal) Bill, and the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill.
The passage of these Bills, however, was not without controversy. Several Members of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns, particularly about the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, which would transfer the functions of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) to the agriculture ministry. Critics argued that this could undermine the UCDA’s independence and impact the effectiveness of Uganda’s coffee sector management.
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze defended the Bill, explaining that it was part of a larger rationalisation effort aimed at reducing public sector waste and streamlining government functions. He emphasized that consolidating agencies would lead to cost savings and improve service delivery by eliminating overlapping responsibilities.
Despite these defenses, the debate grew increasingly tense, with 12 MPs being suspended for disruptive behaviour, and several others walking out in protest. One notable incident involved a physical altercation between MPs, which led to Mityana Municipality legislator, Francis Zaake, being reportedly injured by a fellow MP. This incident prompted a walkout by opposition MPs, adding to the chaos in the House.
Following the passage of the Bills, Speaker Among addressed the House and acknowledged the intensity of the debates. She emphasized the significance of passing the Bills as part of ongoing efforts to improve government operations and reduce financial inefficiency. “These reforms are essential for the future of Uganda’s governance,” Among remarked before adjourning Parliament indefinitely.
In a bid to reassure the public, Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala clarified that the rationalisation process would not result in widespread job losses. He confirmed that employees of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), which is set to be dissolved, would be absorbed into the public service without facing unemployment. “We are not going to create unemployment. All employees willing to work under the public service arrangement are welcome,” Wamala said.
The day’s events marked the culmination of months of debate over Uganda’s public sector reform. While the rationalisation Bills have been passed, questions remain about their long-term effects on governance and public service delivery in the country. With Parliament adjourned indefinitely, it is uncertain when further discussions on these issues will resume.
