MPs from Northern Uganda have expressed strong disapproval of the Leader of Opposition’s announcement to boycott the upcoming Regional Parliament sittings scheduled to begin in August 2024 in Gulu City.

During a press briefing on August 7, 2024, at Parliament, several MPs, including Judith Alyek from Kole district and Faith Nakut representing Napak district, voiced their frustrations, questioning Joel Ssenyonyi’s motives and judgement.

The district woman representative for Kole District challenged Ssenyonyi’s claims of wastefulness and said, “Where is the wastage that the Leader of Opposition is talking about? This is the committee’s money, not his money, not even the speaker’s money. It has been approved in the budget. So, what is his problem?“

Alyek also accused him of lacking common sense and being overly critical without providing constructive changes.

Alyek further questioned whether Ssenyonyi was against development in Northern Uganda, emphasizing the importance of regional sitting for local engagement and governance.

Ssenyonyi’s boycott stems from the belief that the funds could be better utilized by empowering parliamentary committees to engage directly with communities rather than conducting regional sittings.

He articulated that the expenditure of Shs5 billion for a single sitting is difficult to justify to constituents, suggesting that it may be perceived as a misappropriation of resources.

However, some MPs from the region, like Ojara Mapenduzi representing Gulu West, defended the initiative, arguing that bringing Parliament closer to the people will show a commitment.

‘’We believe that such sittings can help address the historical grievances and developmental challenges faced by Northern Uganda,’’ Ojara said.

The regional sitting is set to take place on August 29 and 30 in Gulu, with additional sittings planned for Mbarara, Masaka, and Mbale.