By Frank Kamuntu
Parliament has acknowledged the appointment of Mawokota County South MP, Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi, as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party Whip in Parliament,
He replaces Kiira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju who was not in the House.
The decision comes after a section of FDC MPs led by Buhweju County MP, Hon. Francis Mwijukye, petitioned Speaker Anita Among in August 2023 challenging the appointment of Nsibambi.
“No sooner had I received the letter appointing Nsibambi as the FDC Party whip, I received a petition from MPs who subscribe to FDC challenging the appointment on grounds that the author had not followed the constitution of the FDC Party,” said Among in a letter read to MPs by the Deputy Speaker.
Following the petition, the Speaker stayed Nsibambi’s appointment entailed in a letter by the FDC Secretary General, Hon. Nathan Nandala-Mafabi dated 15 August 2023.
“As the Speaker, I was constrained by the petition to effect the replacement. I therefore, stayed the action of the FDC Party pending their further action to address the internal grievances cited in the petition”.
Guided by the court ruling of October, 06 2023 Among rescinded her earlier decision, effecting Nsibambi’s appointment during the plenary sitting of Wednesday, 11 October 2023 chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
“The court ruled that FDC national delegates conference was free to appoint new office bearers. I therefore take the opportunity to congratulate Hon, Nsibambi as the new FDC Party whip in Parliament,” added Among.
Nsibambi pledged to stimulate the party’s participation in Parliamentary business by ensuring decency in debates. “In my whipping, I will not be like a supervisor. I will ensure we make decisions that address issues that affect the society rather than just playing,” he said.
The FDC Party with 31 members, is one of the seven political parties with representation in the House.
