In a surprising move, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has called off plenary sessions for this week, leaving Members of Parliament (MPs) and the public puzzled about the reasons behind the decision.
A notice issued by the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige Kasaija, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, informed Members of Parliament that sessions will resume next week on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
The sudden adjournment comes just hours before a scheduled plenary sitting at 2:00 pm, where the House was set to consider the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023 as the top item on the agenda, tabled by Sarah Opendi, the Tororo District Woman Representative, which proposed a 3-year jail term or a Ugx 40 million fine for anyone who sells alcoholic drinks to persons below 18 years of age.
The reasons behind the speaker’s decision remain unclear, as no official explanation was provided.
The unexpected suspension of parliamentary activities not only delays the consideration of crucial legislation like the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill but also leaves pressing issues unaddressed, sparking discussions about the need for better communication and accountability from the Parliament’s leadership.
