Junior minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development is expected to appear before the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline for questioning for undermining the institution of Parliament and for alleged misconduct.
The Rules, Privileges and Discipline Committee has been directed by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to investigate Namuganza for allegedly bringing the House in disrepute when she questioned the powers of the speaker to institute an adhoc committee.
It is said that Namuganza claimed that Parliament had no power and the mandate to censure her for her role in the scandal surrounding the allocation of land in Naguru and Nakawa.
This was after a report by an adhoc committee instituted by the speaker to investigate the allocation of Nakuru and Naguru land indicated that Namuganza was behind the falsification of a directive purportedly issued by the president, the basis of which the Uganda Land Commission relied on to issue land to some people and entities.
During July 13 plenary, MPs criticized Namuganza for her statements, which they argued had put the institution of Parliament (one of the three arms of government) into bad light.
Bukooli County Central MP Solomon Silwany reminded Namuganza that Rule 190 of the Rules of Procedures gives the Speaker powers to form ad hoc committees. Silwany said it was absurd that Namuganza had run to the media to punch holes in the powers and authority of the speaker.
Sarah Opendi, a former minister who currently represents Tororo District women in Parliament, said she was shocked that Namuganza had claimed that the speaker had established the committee in bad faith, with the sole intention of witch-hunting her under the guise of probing land issues.
He asked Tayebwa to summon Namuganza to offer clarification on the matter and to task her to explain why she chose to criticize the institution of Parliament and the office of the speaker in the wrong forum: social media and mainstream media.
Bugabula South MP Maurice Kibalya accused Namuganza of using her ministerial position in an improper way, and of thinking that she had become too powerful and as being above the speaker and the institution of Parliament.
Geoffrey Macho, the Busia Municipality MP, also added his voice in condemning Namuganza, saying she had made it a habit to undermine Parliament and that she had begun her bad manners in the 10th Parliament which was led by Rebecca Kadaga and Jacob Oulanyah (RIP).
Before referring the matter of Namuganza’s misconduct to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline, Tayebwa noted that Parliament would not look on as members undermine the legislative arm of government. He argued that Parliament would be considered useless if its members continued disrespecting it and that members of the public were not likely to respect an institution whose members undermine the same institution.
According to Tayebwa, who is also the Ruhinda North MP said that Namuganza should have, in accordance with the rules of procedure, sought an opportunity to explain her disappointment with the manner in which the adhoc did its work, instead of going to the social and mainstream media channels to vent out her anger.
The Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline has been given three weeks within which to handle Namuganza’s case of alleged misconduct, and then report to the House which will make the final decision on the matter.
