Members of Parliament (MPs) are supposed to be in their constituencies to monitor the implementation of government programs as per the Speaker of Parliament’s directive.

However, some of the MPs are not in their constituencies and their offices are being occupied by their mobilizers or Political Assistants. They are expected to return to parliament after the 20 days of recess where by the law mandates them to monitor, evaluate and bring their findings to the attention of respective ministers.

According to preliminary reports, from Hoima district, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, out of the six MPs, only one MP is in the constituency, while others are still in Kampala, out of the country and others could not be reached. Efforts to reach these MPs remained futile.

On Tuesday afternoon, September 19, 2023, some of the MPs were still in Kampala. For instance, the MP for Kabale Municipality-Dr. Nicholas Kamara, MP for Bukonzo West Constituency-Atkins Godfrey Katusabe, and MP for Buhweju County-Francis Mwijukye who attended the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Extraordinary Delegates Conference which was held at the FDC Katonga offices.

However, some MPs are on ground to ensure the implementation and monitoring of these programs.

The MP for Rukiga County, Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish said that, there are still some challenges with the Parish Development Model (PDM) but was positive that they will be rectified.

“There are also some corruption tendencies where some Parish Chiefs try to get money from potential beneficiaries before they access the money. But we are doing whatever it takes to ensure that, it is minimized,” Bish said.

The Woman MP for Ntungamo district, Joselyn Bata Kamateneti said that, she has been moving around her district, noting that, she has so far been to Ngoma Sub County which has 15 parishes and 66 villages.

She appreciated the PDM and said that so many people are benefiting from it.  She however, noted that, some people want to politicize it and just talk yet they are not on ground. They focus on small issues and forget what impact it has on the community.

“If there is a program that will work, it will be PDM. Yes, some politicians will discredit it. I can assure you that PDM will be beneficial to the community,” Kamateneti said.

However, there is a challenge of Chairpersons and Community Development Officers (CDOs) who find it hard to move from their area to the Town Council.  She gave an example of the CDO of Ngoma Sub County, who has a big area to cover and does not even own a bicycle.

“Like the CDO of Ngoma does not even own a bicycle. Moving around Ngoma from Mugyera, Nyakariro and other areas to choose the groups it is not easy. The Chairperson who chooses them is the one who takes the files to Post bank and is not facilitated.  From Ngoma to Ntungamo you spend around UGX 70.000 on transport,” she narrated.

Two weeks ago, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among sent Members of Parliament (MPs) on recess to go to their constituencies and interact with their voters to look at issues that affect them and also follow up and monitor government programs like PDM, Youth Livelihood Programs (YLP)  Uganda Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), and Emyooga, among others.