Parliament has moved to overhaul its operations with the adoption of several amendments to the Rules of Procedure, a move aimed at streamlining legislative processes and reinforcing democratic governance.
The modifications follow a report by the Standing Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline, which recommended key changes to procedural matters, including the nomination and election of members of the Parliamentary Commission, the scheduling of sittings, and a controversial ban on media coverage within the parliamentary precincts.
The House spent much of the afternoon debating the proposals, with MP Abdu Katuntu, the committee chairperson, leading discussions on significant revisions, including an amendment to Rule 3 (4), which introduces an oath of allegiance for MPs after the first sitting of Parliament. “There are some things that need to be adjusted to strengthen our democracy,” remarked MP Aisha Kabanda, emphasizing the need for transparency in parliamentary affairs. Jonathan Odur echoed similar sentiments, stressing that reforms must uphold democratic principles.
While some changes received broad support, others stirred controversy. One of the most hotly debated proposals was the decision to grant the Speaker discretion over the sitting arrangement in the House, with critics arguing that such a move could compromise fairness in parliamentary proceedings.
Another flashpoint was the proposed ban on media coverage inside the plenary precincts. The measure drew strong opposition from several MPs who viewed it as an attack on press freedom and transparency.
“The media plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed about parliamentary activities. Banning coverage would undermine accountability,” argued MP Nambooze, while Ssewungu questioned whether the amendments served long-term democratic interests or the convenience of the current Parliament.
Other revisions focus on the nomination and election of representatives to the Pan-African Parliament, with lawmakers seeking to refine election guidelines. The Speaker has urged MPs to carefully consider the long-term impact of these changes, particularly in preserving the integrity of parliamentary processes.
As deliberations continue, the amendments highlight an ongoing struggle between efficiency and transparency, raising critical questions about the future of parliamentary governance in the country.
