Parliament has ordered Cabinet to ‘urgently’ table proposed amendments within Local Government Act to necessitate conduction of Local Council one and two elections and Councilors for Workers by January next year.
Members of Parliament who on Tuesday were eager to debate a statement by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire on the said elections, were incensed by the absence of the Minister.
The members noted that the LC 1 elections are pertinent but government is handling the matter with little interest.
Igara West lawmaker and Public Service and Local Government Committee Chairperson, Raphael Magyezi noted that despite the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice assuring the country that the elections will take place in January 2017, government has done less in preparation for the same.
“We require as Parliament a proposal for amendments that are consequential to the methodology of lining up; these include, preparing voters registers,nomination of candidates and so on,” Magyezi said.
Magyezi noted that this would — according to Attorney General — require amendment of some provisions of the Local Government Act.
“We are proceeding for a recess, the Minister should be directed to present the amendments of Local Government Act, present them and the committee handles them during recess. Through you I would require to order the Prime Minister to direct the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to present the amendment of Local Government Act.”
The Prime Minister, Gen. Moses Ali apologized for the absence of the line minister, informing the house that the Minister has been sent on special assignment and will be ready tomorrow with the statement.
The Speaker Rebecca Kadaga ordered that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs appears before the house with the statement on the said amendments without fail tomorrow.