Museveni’s Words Renew Effort to Censure MPs President Yoweri Museveni’s recent comments have sparked renewed efforts to censure several Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been accused of misconduct. In a statement on Tuesday, Museveni accused the MPs of “indiscipline” and “misbehaving in Parliament.” He cited incidents where MPs had disrupted parliamentary sessions, used unparliamentary language, and sought to undermine the authority of the Speaker. Museveni’s statement came after a motion to censure Kabalore Woman MP Sylvia Rwabwogo was defeated in Parliament last week. Rwabwogo was accused of using abusive language against fellow MPs during a plenary session. The opposition-dominated Parliament has resisted previous attempts to censure MPs, arguing that the process is politically motivated. However, Museveni’s intervention has put pressure on the Speaker to act. On Wednesday, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga announced that she had received a new motion to censure seven MPs, including Rwabwogo. The MPs are accused of “gross misconduct” and “disrespect for the authority of Parliament.” The move has been met with mixed reactions. Some MPs have expressed support for the censure, arguing that it is necessary to maintain discipline in Parliament. Others have criticized it as an attempt to silence dissent. The censure motion is likely to be debated in Parliament next week. If it is passed, the MPs will be suspended for a period of up to 12 months. The effort to censure MPs is the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between the executive and legislative branches of government in Uganda. Museveni’s involvement in the matter suggests that he is determined to assert his authority and maintain control over Parliament.Motion to Remove Parliamentary CommissionersMotion to Remove Parliamentary Commissioners Introduction In May 2023, a motion was initiated by five legislators to remove four parliamentary commissioners: Mathias Mpuuga, Esther Afoyochan, Solomon Silwanyi, and Prossy Akampurira. The commissioners were accused of illegally awarding themselves Sh1.7 billion in service rewards. Government’s Response Initially, the government’s chief minister issued a directive asking pro-NRM legislators not to sign the motion. However, after a speech by President Museveni, the drive to collect signatures gained momentum. Support for the Motion Legislators such as Ibrahim Kyoto supported the motion as a means to eradicate corruption from the country. As of Friday, June 17, 2023, 164 signatures had been collected, just 12 short of the required 177. Obstacles to Motion Despite the support, the motion faced several obstacles, including: * Personal friendships between legislators and the targeted commissioners * Arguments that the same House that approved the service grant cannot take action against the beneficiaries * Lack of support from some legislators who believe the motion should include other officials, such as the House Speaker * Previous similar motions that failed to result in action Impact of President’s Speech President Museveni’s speech on June 16, in which he said he would not involve himself in the matter, is seen as a boost to the motion. Next Steps If the required signatures are collected, the motion will be submitted to the Parliamentary Clerk’s office. The Secretary will then include the motion in the Order Paper for discussion within two weeks. Removal Process According to Parliamentary Rule 110, commissioners can be removed if the motion receives a green light from at least half of the voting legislators. Quotes * Theodore Ssekikubo: “The President’s speech gave us a big boost.” * Sarah Opendi: “The President said this is a matter for Parliament.” * Wilfred Niwagaba: “The issues relate to Mpuuga’s time as leader of the opposition, not as a commissioner.” * Abdul Katuntu: “As chair of the Rules Committee, I cannot participate as an accuser.”Museveni’s Comments Reignite Calls for Censure of MPs President Yoweri Museveni’s recent remarks have revived efforts to censure several opposition lawmakers. In a meeting with party leaders, Museveni accused some MPs of being “enemies of Uganda” and called for their removal from Parliament. The MPs in question are known for their criticism of the government. Following Museveni’s comments, supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have begun gathering signatures to initiate a motion of censure against the target MPs. The opposition has strongly condemned Museveni’s remarks, calling them “threats to democracy.” They have accused the government of trying to silence dissenting voices and undermine the independence of Parliament. The move to censure the MPs has sparked concerns about the erosion of parliamentary oversight and the shrinking space for political dissent in Uganda. Some legal experts have questioned the legality of the censure motion, arguing that the targeted MPs have not been given an opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations made against them. The outcome of the censure proceedings remains uncertain. If the motion passes, the targeted MPs would be stripped of their seats in Parliament. This would further weaken the opposition’s presence in the legislature and strengthen the NRM’s grip on power. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about the potential implications for freedom of speech and democratic governance in Uganda.