FDC: The rules don’t allow us to extend Katuntu’s tenure

Opposition Chief Whip Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has said the rules don’t allow them to extend the tenure of Bugweri County Member of Parliament Abdu Katuntu as Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase).

Ssemujju who also serves as Spokesperson for Uganda’s main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) made the revelation while appearing at NBS TV’s morning breeze show on Wednesday.

He said though Katuntu and his team have done a commendable job, they should accept the fact that their term has come to an end and hand over office peacefully.

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“Katuntu should hand over to Mubarak Munyagwa either with an interim or partial report and help/ guide him complete the process pointing our areas they have not touched,” Ssemujju urged.

Adding, “As the opposition chief whip I am waiting for Parliament to start next week, I organise for Katuntu to hand over to Munyagwa. The extension is not provided for under the rules. The unfortunate thing is people don’t know committees of Parliament have up to 35 members. I have finished making recommendations for people who will sit on COSASE. The work of the chairperson is to allow people speak and preside over the processing of the report,”

Katuntu and his deputy Anita Among (Bukedea Woman MP) are supposed to hand over Cosase office to Kawempe South’s legislator and Rubaga North’s Moses Kasibante on January 13.

Due to the ongoing probe into BOU, Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga recently extended their term to February 20 to give them time to complete their assignment.

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However, Leader of Opposition Betty Aol Ochan opposed the Speaker’s decision saying, “We shall not let Kadaga decide for opposition, for us we believe everyone is able, Kadaga want to bring politics of not leaving seat in opposition.”

Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa also member of FDC said those opposed to the extension will have to seek legal alternatives.