By Anita Among

Honourable Members, Honourable Ojara Mapenduzi raises pertinent issues. I note that the members complaint is one based on alleged abuse of privilege by a member of this House.

The breach of privilege touches the Office of the Speaker of this House and as you know, by provision of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, we have only two Presiding Officers for this House of Parliament.

The Rt. Hon. Speaker is indisposed as you are well aware which leaves only myself as the Presiding Officer present.

The conduct in issue touches my person as an individual and as a Presiding Officer of this August House and yet the member who is accused should by law be permitted to defend himself against the charge levelled against him.

Our Constitution dictates a fair hearing for every citizen before a decision is taken against them.

I will therefore guide that the complaint of the member be handled by the House Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline under rule 175 of our Rules of Procedure and a report be presented to this House within two weeks from today.

The writer is the Deputy Speaker of the 11the Parliament of Uganda.