The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among, has thrown out a decision by the Leader of Opposition Hon. Mathias Mpuuga removing Badege Layibi Member of Parliament from chairing the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the 11th Parliament.

The decision to throw out Mapenduzi was arrived at following his motion that led to the sacking of Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality, MP) as Parliamentary Commissioner.

He was replaced by Gilbert Oulanyah.

However, Speaker has trashed the decision arguing that the matter is subject to approval by the House after Hon. Mapenduzi concludes pending work before the committee.

Among explained that PAC is in its final stages of reporting Attorney General’s findings for the Financial Year 2020/2021 and that removing Mapenduzi as chairperson will stall the work of Parliament. She also stated to the House that Parliament has also received deadlines from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to present a treasury memorandum.

“Rule 196 provides for the redesignation of Chair or Deputy to be designated at any time. I am also aware the committee is in its final stages of reporting on the Auditor General’s findings for the Financial Year 2020/21. A formal motion will be subject to approval of the House after the committee has finished works assigned to them,” she said.

The Speaker also stated that the opposition considers addressing a precedent set by the house in COSASE during the previous Parliament.

“In the last Parliament, a similar attempt was made to change a chairperson of a standing committee and that would mean that it stifles the work of the committee,” she added.

In response, the LoP appealed to the Speaker to allow the redesignation of the position of Chairperson – PAC (Local Govt) be handled administratively. He explained that the rule had in mind that Uganda is under multiparty dispensation.

“This was never intended to jeopardise the intended work of Parliament. Let it not be a contest of the House because its subject to other laws of the land including the Constitution and Political Parties Act,” he stated.