20, 159 Parliament or Movie theater! By: Tumusiime K. Deo International Communications Consultant It has been lately characterized by heckling, singing, dancing, dozing, chanting, absenteeism, abuses-simply put, melodrama; one would not be mistaken to call the current Uganda Parliament a movie theatre. And for all the positive signs the 9th Parliament showed in its first year, it has fast forward degenerated from grace to grass. One wonders what belies of Uganda’s future at this rate. While what’s been transpiring in the August House lately is perfect fodder for the newsmen and women; certainly constituting hilarious pieces of weekend entertainment for bored viewers, we must remember that in this Dot Com world of ours today, whatever is going on is watched beyond the confines of our borders. People out there must be feeling sorry for our dear country-spending so much money on legislators, only there to be no constructive discussions but turning the House into a theater of comedy and mockery of the Constitution. I have personally been closely following the unfolding events right from the discussions on oil, through the Marriage and Divorce Bill; then the controversial appointment of Gen. Aronda Nyakairima as Internal Affairs Minister and the recent passing of the Public Order Management Bill. At one point, Mukono MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke gestured as if to release a round kick at a Committee chairperson. In the most recent event, Aruu County MP Odonga Otto was seen tearing official documents in outrage, as another MP pulled off latest dancing strokes littered with sarcasm. Others constituted a choir with songs to display their displeasure at the way Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanya was conducting business, “We shall overcome some day,” they ululated. For all and sundry, while I can understand the trigger of their rage, the honorable MPs (and I dare say some are quite dishonorable), must learn to calm down and deliberate rather coolly and in a less confrontational manner. Otherwise, behaving like a mob will only serve to discredit their otherwise good intentions, and they will end up becoming mere laughingstock. They risk being seen as being so heavenly minded while their actions are ultimately of no earthly good. Every Friday, Nation TV’s Agnes Nandutu features her now popular news segment titled “Point Blank”, in which all the funny comments and acts in the week are broadcasted. I am worried that some MPs have now mastered her expectations, and they often pose for the cameras as a publicity stunt, but with no tangible message for the citizens. I even watched as one MP made a mockery of God by acting as though he were a pastor -but I think Ugandans expect to listen and watch more informed and constructive debates aimed at propelling our country forward. The rest of the drama could be played elsewhere in the theaters, and the MPs can be sure to receive sizable audiences. I can obviously understand what it feels like for the Opposition in Parliament to be outnumbered by the ruling NRM, but this status is not changing anytime soon, and they must devise better means of coping with the situation. No doubt confrontation is never going to win anyone any sympathies, and will only work to worsen their frustrations. On the other hand, it’s high time that the ruling party MPs woke up to appreciate the fact that superiority in terms of numbers, must never replace their sense of reason. This continued provocation manifested through forceful passing of largely unpopular bills is likely to infuriate the watchful public, and could inadvertently become a recipe for discontent and possible riotous disorder. The NRM MPs must equally tame their speed, listen to the concerns of their counterparts, give a fair interpretation of the law and let sanity in the interest of our country at large to prevail. Otherwise as it stands, it appears as though the ruling party MPs and the opposition attended different law schools, and they are currently tearing the Constitution of the country apart. And if such leaders that have studied and mastered the law can fail to agree on its basic interpretation, what then should be expected of the ordinary citizens, who do not even have the luxury of the law translated into languages they best understand? There have also been concerns raised about the conduct of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Jacob Oulanya, who has been accused of being a rubber-stamp of the whims of the ruling party. In fact, in one of the most recent sessions, he was badly heckled at and belittled in no way like I have seen in any Parliament ever before. Possibly this should serve as an opportunity for him to do some self-reflection rather than beam in outrage as epitomized by the suspensions he handed over to some of the ring leaders. Perhaps it’s for this very reason that I one time did suggest that Parliament must start exploring the possibility of having a non-partisan Speaker, who should be able to steer the House without undue interference from the political party one represents. Also noteworthy was the act of the opposition walking out of Parliament in show of discontent: However, each time they have walked out, the bills they were unhappy about were passed, thanks to the NRM’s superiority in numbers; and then the opposition members returned days later to similar fracas. We have seen wananchi in Egypt spend weeks and weeks on the streets, putting their lives in the line of fire as a way of unwavering support for their deposed President. Without necessarily suggesting that the protesters are right, at least their action manifests resolve, passion and love for what they believe in. Similarly, if the Uganda opposition side truly believes that they are being taken for a ride and their presence does not count, let them undertake a prolonged boycott for a sustained period-may be then, their point will be best driven home. But if they simply turn their actions into a mere game play, then they will only achieve just as much. I reiterate to mention that we’ve had sometimes heated debates in our schools, but never have I seen opposing sides turn the debate floor into a battle zone of sorts. Parliament should be a House for reasoned and professional debates, whereupon the winners and losers must honorably concede. I guess this is the origin of the honor bestowed unto members of Parliament. I do not believe that this honor was intended as a mere cosmetic that someone acquires only because he or she was elected; but every individual must prove their worth. I am worried to say, but very few MPs appear deserving of the title “Honorable”, going by events in the last weeks. Folks, Uganda is for us all, and is here to stay. We must desist from acting as if there’s no tomorrow; and we must always never forget the fact that history will judge us by our deeds or failure to do. And if there aint anything to bring us back to sanity, at least let us tame ourselves for the sake of our innocent children.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Aug 2013 09:18:02 +0000
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