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Thomas Tayebwa, has expressed concern over the persistent failure by the Cabinet on its statutory requirement, to present statements before Parliament prior to commemoration of international days.
Tayebwa said the practice is discouraging to Parliament which appropriates funds for celebration of international days, and the need for legislators to be updated about critical issues relating to such days.
“My hands get tied, you have an international day, you spend government resources on it, this is Parliament that appropriates funds, you do not bring a statement here for members to debate,” Tayebwa said.
He was responding to complaints from legislators on government’s failure to present a statement on the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on 01 October 2023 and the forthcoming World Teachers’ Day slated for 05 October 2023.
Kiboga District Woman MP, Hon. Christine Kaaya, observed that it would be wise for the education ministry to utilise the teachers’ day celebration and update Parliament on government’s plan to address challenges that the teaching professionals have for long put forward.
“Basing on the cries of teachers, I think it is of urgent importance that the ministry shares with us a statement to not only recognise the professionals but also show us government plan to address their plight,” said Kaaya.
Kaaya said the gesture would go a long way to motivate teachers as well as exhibiting a government that cares for and honours them.
The Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, noted that the just concluded International Day for Elderly Persons, whose conditions he said were critical deserved attention.
He noted that there were crucial issues raised by legislators concerning the older persons that the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development ought to respond to.
“Would you [Deputy Speaker] order the gender ministry to come and debrief this House on the older persons and how they have handled issues raised in this financial year including the failure to finance the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment Programme meant for older persons?” Mpuuga asked.
Tayebwa noted that if the Cabinet continually fails on their mandate, he will with the guidance of Rule 53 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedures, request the Leader of the Opposition to make alternative statements.
He directed cabinet ministers responsible for the recently commemorated international days to prepare statements and update Parliament in the coming week.
Source:Parliament Of Uganda