Difference between NRM and opposition legislator

Actually, MP after MP, disappointment was registered on how the Ministry has failed to follow through with its promise stretching up five years of connecting various areas in their constituencies. Others pointed out how in some areas, electricity poles were delivered and even planted over five years ago but no wires have been installed on those poles!

I have listened in today for the two hours presentation and submissions made by the various MPs on the Statement presented by the Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa of the Ministry of Energy. In the statement she sought to update Parliament on the progress made by her Ministry particularly in the area of provision of electricity to the various parts of the country.

The reactions that ensued saw many MPs lamenting and pouring out frustration on the continued failure by the Ministry to provide electricity to their respective constituencies. Actually, MP after MP, disappointment was registered on how the Ministry has failed to follow through with its promise stretching up five years of connecting various areas in their constituencies. Others pointed out how in some areas, electricity poles were delivered and even planted over five years ago but no wires have been installed on those poles!

It was a spectacle to hear each legislator that rose to speak only venting out lamentation and frustration.

What makes today's session in Parliament interesting is that almost all those that made these lamentations and frustrations of not having connections in their constitutencies were from NRM, the ruling party. It has become a campaign rallying and vote catching slogan that those who don't vote the NRM candidates, shouldn't have any cause to blame anyone if they don't get to enjoy the government services. Voters have been warned severally in no uncertain terms that if they want to partake of the national cake, they must vote the NRM candidates. The case is made that it is only the NRM MPs who have the privilege to sit at the table where the cutting and sharing of the national cake is made. Warnings are made that for voters who end voting the opposition MPs, shouldn't be surprised at all or get concerned if government doesn't do much service delivery in their areas.

So, having the NRM MPs rising up on the floor of Parliament to lament and express frustration on this very important ingredient in the transformational agenda of the NRM manifesto should be worrying. The reaction of these MPs tend to undermine the campaign message packaging that has always been given to the voters.

If this challenge is not quickly rectified, we might be heading to a situation where the voters might not be able to distinguish the benefits that accrue from voting for a Parliamentary candidate from the ruling party and from the opposition because unfortunately they are both whining, lamenting and frustrated.

Edward Baliddawa. Former Member of Parliament

 

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