In an unprecedented bi-partisan move , the ruling NRM Party has named veteran opposition politician cum lawyer , Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri County ) to head the ever-powerful Parliamentary Committee on rules , privileges and discipline . he will be deputized by Fr. Charles Onen (Gulu East).
Much of the work in the 11th Parliament will be conducted in committees and there has been jostling for positions on the perceived “powerful and influential” committees. Katuntu was also appointed by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament -Anita Annet Among to head the parliamentary Covid-19 taskforce to give oversight and ensure the effective implementation and use of resources to battle the deadly pandemic that has left close 2,000 Ugandans dead.
Other MPs named to head Parliamentary Committees include , Jessica Ababiku (Ajummani oman) to head the Presidential Affairs Committee – deputy is Naome Kabasharira ( Rushere); Janet Okorie- Moe (Abim woman ) to head Agriculture , Animal Industry and Fisheries and will be deputized by Dr. Agnes Atim Apea ( Kitgum); Defence and Internal Affairs , Rosemary Nyakikongoro (Sheema woman 0 Deputy -Milton Muwuma (kigulu South); Finance , Planning and Economic Development – dr. Keffa Kiwanuka (Kiboga East) , deputy Jane Avur Pacuto (Pakwach); East African Community Affairs will be led by Noeline Kisembo (Kibaale woman ) and deputy is Abdi Fadhir Kisos Che,aswet.
Others are Education and Sports -Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha (Bullisa Woman)-deputy Ninsiima Katsirabo (kooki); Tourism, Trade and Insutry ,Mwine Mpaka ( Mbarara City south ) deputy – Catherin Lamwaka ( Omoro) ; Gender , Labour and Social Development -Flavia Rwabuhoro ( Kyegegwa woman 0 -Deputy is Sarah Najjuma (Nakaseke); Health , Dr. Charles Ayume ( Koboko Municipality ) -Deputy is Joel Ssebikali (Ntwetwe) ; Legal and Parliamentary Affairs – Robinnah Rwakoojo Gureme (Gomba West ) – Deputy Yusuf Mutembule (Bunyole East ); Information , Communication Technology and National Guidance Moses Magogo (Budiope East ) -Deputy Igeme Nabeta ( Jinja South East) and natural Resources – Dr. Emmanuel Otalla (West Budama South ) -Deputy , Dr. Emily Kugooza.
The new leaders have been tasked with the duty to ensure that they help the executive arm of government to stamp out corruption in government ministries , departments and agencies and ensure that there is effective utilization of budgetary allocations as government continues to take services nearer to the people .
