BIG STORY!! Speaker Anita Among Fights Back, Safeguards Her Seat Jealously
Ugandan Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is facing intense pressure and criticism due to corruption scandals and international sanctions.
In response, she has adopted various strategies to cope and survive, including holding parliamentary sittings outside of Kampala. The latest move is to hold sittings in the northern Uganda city of Gulu, which has been met with both support and criticism.
Supporters argue that the move will bring attention to local issues and boost the local economy, while critics argue that it is a waste of resources and an attempt to distract from the corruption allegations. The decision has also sparked debate about the role of parliament and its accountability to the people.
The Speaker’s move has been seen as a tactical response to the mounting pressure, but it has also raised questions about the cost and transparency of the decision. Each sitting is reportedly set to cost Shs5 billion, which is equivalent to the annual budget of many government ministries and departments.
The opposition has criticized the move, with Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi accusing the Speaker of extravagance and wastage of money. Ssenyonyi has also been critical of the Speaker’s handling of the corruption allegations and has called for greater transparency and accountability.
The controversy surrounding the Speaker’s decision has highlighted the deep-seated issues of corruption and accountability within the Ugandan parliament. The international community has also taken notice, with the UK and US imposing sanctions on the Speaker and other officials accused of corruption.
As the pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how the Speaker will respond and whether the move to hold sittings outside of Kampala will achieve its intended goals. One thing is certain, however – the controversy surrounding the Speaker’s decision has brought the issue of corruption and accountability in Uganda to the forefront of national and international attention.