While communicating to the House, Tayebwa asked the Clerk to Parliament to embark on registration of all member of Parliament and ministers. He said that despite their residence, all registered officials are expected to observe attendance according to their shifts.
MPs to attend parliament in shifts, warned against poor attendance
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has directed Parliament Whips to organise members in groups to attend plenary sessions in shifts and warned legislators and ministers that missing sessions for 15 consecutive times will cost them their seat.
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“The Rules are clear. You are all supposed to attend Parliament whether you are a minister, MP or ex-offico minister. No matter your constituency, we have agreed that all members must attend and if you miss 15 consecutive times, you risk your seat,” he warned.
According to him, parliament is safe and shifts will maintain minimal contact between attendees. An attendance list will also be revised and, depending on attendance, members will be dealt with accordingly.
“We do not want the excuse of COVID-19. We have opened Parliament fully and all MPs will be required to attend and compulsorily clock in because we are going to start picking the registration list for review and action will be taken,” he said.
Due to the large number of legislators (529), Parliament has struggled to observe perfect attendance. The chambers especially became challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing, government had to hire tents at Shs8.5million to seat over 300 legislators in the Parliament parking lot.
The cost became too much after a while forcing members back to the chambers. Unfortunately the chambers have a capacity of 100 legislators, and on several occasions there have been complaints about absenteeism.
Tayebwa said that this poor attendance is affecting the execution of duties of the House and will not be tolerated henceforth.
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