The foreign affairs minister Gen Jeje Odongo has been summoned by parliament to explain the hullabaloo around the alleged mammoth delegation of 71 members which represented Uganda to the recently concluded UN General Assembly. The deputy speaker Thomas has also cautioned ministers against escalating the matter by bickering in the public.
During the house sitting today, the deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa who chaired the sitting, summoned Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo following allegations that the country’s recent delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was oversized. His directive followed a matter of national importance that was raised by the shadow Minister for foreign affairs Muwadda Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East MP.
The list which has become a subject of debate for the last few days indicates that Vice President Maj (RTD) Jessica Alupo who was the official representative was allocated 51 slots while Prime Minister Robinnah Nabbanja was apportioned 20 positions. According to MP many of those on the travelling delegation were undeserving and sneaked in.
The ongoing saga which has seen Nabbanja clash with her junior Justine Kasule Lumumba for not seeking her permission was a center of discussion in the house as members questioned the unbecoming feud. The deputy speaker asked the bickering members of cabinet to cease fire to save government from further embarrassments.
The foreign affairs minister was given time on Thursday to make a statement on how he came to accredit a bloated delegation.
Meanwhile, parliament today debated and passed a motion to pay tribute to the successful East Africa Pamoja Bid comprising of Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya for hosting the African Cup of Nations with a strong call on government to commit enough funds to match the task to host AFCON.