WETANGULA DECRIES POOR MP ATTENDANCE, URGES BALANCE BETWEEN HOUSE AND CONSTITUENCY DUTIES

Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, has raised concerns over poor attendance by Members of Parliament, saying it has led to unnecessary delays in transacting House business. He further criticized Parliament’s performance in engaging with reports submitted by Commissions and Independent Offices, stating that these reports are often overlooked or not adequately considered. Wetangula highlighted that over the past seven months, the National Assembly has struggled with serious quorum issues. “As you are aware, we have recently experienced repeated quorum hitches even on priority business of the House. In some instances, Committee Chairpersons have failed to move business that falls within their mandate,” he said.

While acknowledging MPs’ responsibilities in their constituencies, Wetangula emphasized that this should not come at the expense of their parliamentary duties. He urged Committee Chairpersons to take their legislative and oversight responsibilities seriously—both in the Chamber and through Committee work. “In the last seven months, quorum issues have persisted. While I recognize your constituency obligations, you must not neglect your core duties in the House,” he reiterated. The Speaker also called on Committee Chairpersons to rally their members to ensure consistent attendance during House sessions.

Looking ahead to a busy period in the constituencies, Wetangula urged MPs to strike a proper balance between their constituency work and their responsibilities in Parliament.