NUP’s Mapenduzi resigns from PAC, opposition takes jabs at him

This came after he gave up the leadership of the Public Accounts Committee.

During the plenary meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, some lawmakers voiced their disapproval of Mapenduzi's appointment.

He was approved by the Speaker as Chairperson of the Committee on Public Service and Local Government, a position that had previously been filled by Godfrey Onzima MP Aringa North, in exchange for his resignation.

Concerns were raised by opposition members over the propriety of switching committee allegiances in the middle of a legislative session.

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, a member of parliament from Kira Municipality, said that Mapenduzi had changed sides and was now siding with the administration rather than the opposition.

According to Ssemujju Nganda, the constitution only permits such modifications during the final year of a tenure.

"A member cannot be with the NRM now and the Opposition tomorrow. According to the Constitution, affiliation changes are only permitted after the last year," Ssemujju Nganda remarked, adding, "He was here working with us, but now he has been read on the other side."

Ssemujju's assertions were refuted by Speaker Anita Among, who further emphasised that Mapenduzi is an independent MP who can cooperate with either side.

Gilbert Olanya, MP for Kilak South, was chosen by Opposition Chief Whip John Baptist Nambeshe to take Mapenduzi's place on the PAC (Local Government).

Since August 2022, the opposition has pushed for Mapenduzi's dismissal from the committee, claiming that his continued membership makes it more difficult for the committee to thoroughly examine government spending.

The Abim District Woman Representative and Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Okori-Moe Janet, was assigned to other committees.

Wilson Kajwengye, a member of parliament for Nyabushozi County, was chosen to lead the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs.

Noeline Kisembo, a female member of parliament from the Kibaale District, took over as chair of the committee for East African Community Affairs.