Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Budadiri West Member of Parliament (MP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General has said that the party isn’t removing Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda from Parliament, but the Party is rather relieving him of his duties as FDC Whip in Parliament.
He said this while appearing on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, August 17, 2023, and asked FDC MPs aggrieved by this decision to petition the Party, instead of Parliament.
Mafabi was responding to Speaker Annet Anita Among’s letter that reinstated Ssemujju as FDC Whip in Parliament.
However, in a letter dated August 17, 2023, Mafabi clearly stated that Yusuf Nsibambi is the party Whip for FDC in the Parliament of Uganda.
According to Mafabi, in accordance with Article 22 of the FDC Constitution, the Working Committee of the National Executive Committee (NEC) serves as the Party’s Cabinet. However, none of the petitioners are members of the committee.
“It is unfortunate that none of those members who petitioned are members of the Working Committee. In fact, they petitioned a wrong office. This petition was never served to the Party. We wish they had also provided you with the Party Constitution to show you what was violated,” Mafabi said.
He told the Speaker that the FDC members misled her because the functions of the National Executive Committee, National Council or National Delegates Conference are clearly spelt out in the Party Constitution.
“Madam Speaker, I am certain if you had asked for clarification from me as a Member of Parliament and Secretary General, I would have clarified,” he added.
Mafabi also to accuse the Speaker of meddling into FDC’s internal matters, contrary to provisions in the Political Parties and Organisations Act.
“According to Rule 15(1) of the Administration of Parliament Act, Government Chief Whip is appointed by Government. Rule 15(4), Chief Opposition Whip is appointed by the Party in Opposition to the Government with the greatest numerical strength iii. Rule 15(7), a party in Opposition may appoint its Party Whip,” he quoted.
He asked Parliament not to be misled by some FDC members who use their privileged offices to petition Parliament other than stating the facts.
