A section of Members of Parliament from the Northern region have rejected the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi’s decision to boycott regional parliamentary sittings.
Ssenyonyi declared the boycott on Tuesday, citing the extra financial strain on taxpayers due to the expected 5 billion shilling cost of each session.
But the parliamentary caucus for Northern region, led by Kilak North MP Anthony Akol and Kole North MP Judith Alyek, denounced Ssenyonyi’s intentions, arguing that regional sessions bring Parliament closer to the people.
The MPs stated that they were disappointed with Ssenyonyi for defying the Parliamentary Commission’s ruling, pointing out that the money allotted for the sessions had previously been authorized by the legislature.
The Northern Region MPs decided not to abstain from the sessions, which are set to begin on August 28 and 30 at Booma Stadium, despite their political differences.
Judith Alyek, Kole North MP, emphasized that the regional sittings are an opportunity for Parliament to be felt and connect with the people, justifying the slogan “people-centered Parliament”.
