The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has called on the new Speaker, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, to expedite the construction of the new parliamentary chambers, which have been under construction for several years.
His appeal follows the second sitting of the 1st meeting of the 1st session of the 12th Parliament on Thursday, where the house was overcrowded, with most MPs standing and others squeezing themselves during the proceedings.
Speaking on the floor, Ssenyonyi urged the Speaker to act swiftly, noting that the house was initially designed to accommodate only 80 MPs, yet there are now over 500. He called for urgency in completing the new chambers.
“Speaker, you have seen the quandary we are grappling with here. We don’t have adequate space,” he said.
He expressed frustration over the delayed completion of the chambers despite significant funds being released for their construction.
“These new chambers that have been under construction for donkey’s years, it is something that I have talked about here on the floor. Parliament, money is appropriated for the same. What is happening every financial year, money is appropriated. Why has that place become a bottomless pit? Why do they not finish constructing that place, so that members don’t sit on their laps, especially because money is appropriate?”
Ssenyonyi also highlighted his broader expectations for parliamentary service, emphasizing accountability and accessibility of leadership.
“Speaker, the Vice President and the Prime Minister have been approved by this house. Our hope is that you will serve everybody, because you see, that’s what service delivery is supposed to be about, that you will extend services to everybody, that your offices will be accessible,” he said following the approval of Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja by Parliament.
He further urged the Speaker to honor his pledges of a corruption-free and open Parliament, applauding initial steps taken to allow media access after months of restricted entry.
Ssenyonyi’s comments underline ongoing frustrations over the slow progress of the new chambers by ROKO Construction Company, despite consistent budgetary allocations.
The call adds pressure on parliamentary authorities to address the space crisis and ensure that the growing number of MPs can conduct their business comfortably.
“We are trusting you to fix these issues. We are looking forward to all of us enjoying our space here, supporting what we feel is right to support, objecting to what we feel we should object to, and who will benefit the people of Uganda out there,” he added
