Opposition MPs Vow to Continue Boycotting Plenary Sitting over Human Rights Concerns

161
Mathias Mpuuga
Mathias Mpuuga, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP) addressing the presser at Parliament on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Courtesy photo

The opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have resolved to continue with the boycott of plenary sittings until government is ready to comprehensively respond to their demands on safeguarding human rights in the country.

While addressing the media at Parliament on November 28, 2023, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Mathias Mpuuga urged opposition MPs to continue attending Parliamentary Committee meetings and defy chairpersons who attempt to chase them out of these meetings.

“The opposition will continue to attend to any other activities of committees within and without the confines of the Parliamentary buildings,” Mpuuga said.

He noted that, opposition members are very restrained, but very resilient, and encouraged them to defy any chairperson who attempts to raise this matter because it has no space in law and their rules.

Mpuuga cautioned the political party leaders against issuing directives to their respective MPs that are intended to undermine the opposition cause since it can lead to internal rifts.

This follows a directive by FDC and DP to its members to end the boycott and return to Parliament.

He asked the public to respect the fact that as leaders in Parliament, they can never raise a boycott for the sake of a boycott, but over very serious issues in the country for which they are demanding for accountability and human rights violations.

The DP whip, Peter Okot informed the Shadow Cabinet that its caucus is already in disagreement with the majority of its members opting to move against the guidance from the DP headquarters.

On October 19, 2023, opposition MPs stormed out of Parliament after rejecting a government report regarding the fight to end killings, missing persons and human rights violations in Uganda.