The Buyaga West Member of Parliament (MP), Barnabas Tinkasimire has advised his counterpart of Mityana South, Richard Lumu to abandon his proposal to amend the Administration of Parliament Act.
This comes at a time when Lumu had just announced plans to consult with the leadership of other opposition political parties including the National Unity Platform (NUP) on the proposed Bill.
The bill, which Lumu is championing, seeks to among others change the process of selecting the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) from being appointed by the leading Opposition party to being elected by opposition MPs.
Tinkasimire while interacting with the journalists at Parliament on Wednesday noted that Lumu should focus on comprehensive constitutional amendments rather than this piecemeal legislation.
Tinkasimire argues that Lumu’s proposed amendments, including subjecting the Leader of Opposition to an election, would further weaken the Opposition in parliament.
He urges Lumu to retract his proposal and consult with the shadow cabinet to avoid embarrassment when he presents it on the floor of parliament.
Recently, Lumu was granted leave of Parliament to introduce a private member’s bill to amend the Administration of Parliament Act, which governs the election of parliamentary leaders.
His proposal has sparked significant debate, especially within NUP, which boycotted the Parliamentary Sitting in Gulu-one of four planned regional sittings.
Lumu clarified that the bill is not aimed at any individual but is intended to streamline parliamentary operations.
By Francis Lubega
11th Sept 2024
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