By Andrew Victor Mawanda Naimanye
Africa-Press – Uganda. Minority reports are vital as they aid in bringing to light opinions which have been left out by the majority, but they’ve often been intentionally neglected by members of the ruling NRM party, says opposition MPs.
In Uganda, minority reports—also known as dissenting opinions—are submissions that express opposing views to the majority position. These views are essentially counter-arguments that provide alternative perspectives or raise different ideas on what has been presented in Parliament by the majority, which is the leading NRM government.
Under Rule 220(2) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, the law clearly states: “Where there is a difference of opinion on any matter, the report shall reflect the views of the majority and the dissenting view(s) shall be appended as a minority report.”
In spite of this, the question still stands as to whether these reports are necessary, given that they are treated with a deaf ear in parliamentary sittings.
According to Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, the opposing members believe that the dismissal of the minority reports by government doesn’t make them any less substantial, as even some MPs of the ruling party agree with the matters discussed in these reports but are unwilling to express it openly due to the loyalty they have towards their party.
Nevertheless, the opposition credits itself for having tampered with key parliamentary decisions by successfully submitting minority reports.
Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda argues that the proposals included in the minority reports are eventually put into practice, citing the many he has tabled. Nganda blames the intentional ignorance of the NRM government for the dismissal of the minority reports.
Earlier this year, Nganda presented a minority report to Parliament expressing concerns over the government’s intended plan to finance over Shs 57.44 trillion by borrowing an additional Shs 24 trillion, citing it would burden the average taxpayer, and called upon the government to prioritise essential services like education.
Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM Director of Communication, acknowledges that whereas it may be possible that the minority reports contain valuable content, they are presented in a very arrogant manner, which undermines the credibility of the report.
Speaking to NBS, Dombo referenced examples from previous parliaments—and even in the current Parliament—where minority reports have been considered with utmost seriousness and have been duly implemented.
The question of whether or not minority reports serve a crucial function in Uganda’s parliamentary system remains a topic for debate, with some arguing that the reports are being considered, and others stating they are just a means of passing time.
Source: Nilepost News
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