Opposition fills up appointments committee

By Cyprian Musoke and Sylvia Nankya

THE opposition has picked five members to sit on the appointments committee to vet new ministerial and other appointments.

They include Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri West, FDC), who is also the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Betty Aol Ocan (Gulu Woman MP, FDC) and Betty Amongi (Oyam, UPC).

Others are Ssebuliba Mutumba (Kawempe South, DP), Mathias Mpuuga (Masaka Municipality, independent) and Rose Nyakikongoro (Sheema Woman Indep).

Together with NRM’s 15 MPs, this brings the number to 20 committee members, as stipulated in the Parliamentary rules of procedure.

According to Rule 137, the committee shall comprise 20 members designated by party whips on the basis of proportional party membership in the House, taking into consideration the numerical strength of the parties and interests of independent members.

The Speaker, Deputy Speaker and leader of the opposition are not included in the number, as they are automatic members of the committee.

Last week, the President submitted 15 names that included Patrick Nakabaale (Central youth), Sofia Nalule (Disabled National), Mathias Kasamba (Kakuuto County), Rose Najjemba (Gomba County), Milton Muwuma (Kigulu South) and Saleh Kamba (Kibuku County).

They also include Christine Amongin Aporu (Kumi), Peter Alepa (Moroto Municipality), Hood Katuramu (Disabled West), Fred Omach (Jonam County) and Rebecca Otengo (Lira district).

Others are General Elly Tumwine (Army), Victoria Rusoke (Kabarole district), Kasirivu Atwooki (Bugangaizi West) and Paula Turyahikayo (Rubabo County).

The Speaker is the chairperson of the committee and has neither an original nor casting vote.

In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker shall convene the meetings and its proceedings.

Its quorum shall be half its members and it shall be responsible for approving on behalf of Parliament the appointments of persons nominated by the President or any question which may arise.

The names of persons to be for appointment shall be communicated in writing to the committee through the Speaker.

Every decision of the committee shall be by open vote. A candidate shall be approved provided votes cast in favour of that candidate constitute majority of members present and voting.

If the votes are equal, the candidate shall not be approved.