Minister of Internal Affairs and Ruhinda South County MP, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, has vehemently criticized Parliament’s proposed regional sittings, labeling them a wasteful expenditure of public funds.
Speaking at a thanksgiving mass for Rev. Fr. Vincent Mucunguzi in Sheema Municipality on Sunday, Otafiire questioned the practicality and financial implications of hosting over 550 MPs, along with their support staff, in different regions across the country.
He raised concerns about the logistical challenges and strain on local resources such as accommodation and infrastructure.
“Where will all these people sleep? How many hotels are there to accommodate them?” Otafiire queried, emphasizing the exorbitant costs associated with such an undertaking.
Otafiire’s remarks were directed at Sheema District Woman MP, Rosemary Nyakikongolo, urging her to influence Parliament to reconsider the proposal.
Nyakikongolo concurred with Otafiire, expressing concerns that regional sittings could undermine the role of local councils and sectoral committees.
She argued that the proposed sittings would duplicate efforts, as MPs are already ex-officio members of district and city councils.
Nyakikongolo further asserted that the move would disempower local councilors and discourage MPs from actively participating in council meetings.
Otafiire concluded by suggesting that the idea of regional sittings is a diversionary tactic aimed at serving personal interests rather than addressing the pressing needs of the people.
The debate over regional parliamentary sittings has ignited a public discourse on the allocation of public resources and the effectiveness of such initiatives in enhancing legislative oversight and service delivery.
