Citing the award of the Golden Jubilee medals to Members of Parliament who served from Independence to October 2012 this morning, the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Wafula Oguttu notes that the manner in which, the medals are given to the MPs makes them appear like a mere political token.
A total of 1,162 comprising of the current and former MPs received medals at a ceremony graced by President Yoweri Museveni. Some the recipients included the late former Prime Minister, Cosmas Adyebo, former Vice President Professor Gilbert Bukenya, former FDC presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye and his wife, Winnie Byanyima, Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, as well as former Democratic Party presidents John Ssebaana Kizito and Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere.
However, Besigye and Byanyima, the former MP for Mbarara Municipality didn't attend the event. Besigye is yet to return to the country since he left for the Uganda North America Association (UNAA) convention in the U.S and later the United Kingdom. He is expected to return to the country on Thursday next week.
Oguttu says medals should only be awarded to individuals, who have made significant contribution to the country through their initiatives, creativity and service.
But General Elly Tumwine, the chairman of the Presidential Awards Committee defends the awards, saying the medals are in appreciation of the legislators for their contribution during the Golden Jubilee independence anniversary in 2012 but it was not done.