By Swift Reporter
Masindi District Woman Member of Parliament Florence Asiimwe Akiiki has defended her decision to leave the ongoing NRM parliamentary caucus retreat in Kyankwanzi, citing concerns over what she described as undignified accommodation for legislators.
Her remarks follow a viral video that circulated on Tuesday showing her preparing to exit the National Leadership Institute (NALI), where the retreat is being held.
The retreat, which began on April 7 and is expected to run until April 15, has brought together members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), including MPs-elect and invited guests. It also comes at a time of heightened political activity as discussions intensify over leadership positions in the upcoming 12th Parliament.
Asiimwe said she chose to leave after being informed that she would be accommodated in a dormitory-style room shared by four people.
“I found Norbert Mao at the gate doing a media interview and I told him I was leaving in protest because I was placed in a room of four people. I told him I was going back to Kampala,” she said, adding that she declined requests to wait for Richard Todwong to address her concerns.
According to Asiimwe, she had travelled to Kyankwanzi on April 7 and arrived in the afternoon hoping to secure better accommodation. However, after registration, she was directed to dormitories identified as Thomas Sankara and Oliver Tambo, where female participants were being housed.
She objected after being told she would share a room fitted with two bunk beds.
“I told them I wanted a better room because I am a candidate for speaker. They insisted I had to stay in a room of four. Imagine an MP sleeping in a bunk bed. What if I fall?” she said.
Asiimwe is among several politicians who have expressed interest in the speakership race, alongside incumbent Speaker Anita Among and others.
After failing to secure alternative arrangements, she said she decided to leave the retreat and return to Kampala.
She further called for improvements in facilities at Kyankwanzi, arguing that the current standards do not reflect the status of elected leaders.
“The situation does not accord respect to MPs. This retreat happens every election cycle, so there should be better planning and improved accommodation,” she said.
Her exit has sparked debate about conditions at the retreat, with some observers questioning whether the facilities meet expectations for senior political leaders.
The NRM leadership has not yet issued an official response regarding the concerns raised.
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