Speaker,MPs not amused about unannounced ministerial visits to their constituencies

Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga together with a section of legislators have today attacked ministers who visit their constituencies without consent and demobilise their voters.

During the afternoon plenary session, Kadaga and other legislators expressed anger over what they called continued ministerial visits to their constituencies without their knowledge.

In her communication to parliament, Kadaga gave an example of a number of teams sent out by government to talk to people about climate change in different constituencies without the knowledge of area MPs. She demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister.

Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebagala also expressed concern on the repeated visits by ministers in his constituency without his knowledge. He requested that ministries to write to area MPs whenever the visits are to happen.

Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante also reported to parliament that part of the activities to which MPs are not being invited have implications on land issues.

Mitooma Woman MP Jovah Kamateeka said that the ministers use MPs' opponents while in the constituencies.

"They are busy de-campaigning members of parliament on the ground", said Kamateeka.

Adjumani Woman MP said that MPs form part of government and they are people's representatives. She said that it would be prudent for them to work as a team, adding that if it is about climate change, MPs have participated highly and therefore ministers should not go in isolation.

General Moses Ali, the first Deputy Prime Minister said it was unfortunate that MPs were not informed when ministers visited their constituencies but ruled out any secret motive.

He explained that it's the government climate change committee that was going around different constituencies to educate citizens about the changing climate patterns.

Kadaga insisted that government should share information with MPs before visits to constituencies are made.

-URN