Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to bear their own costs during the upcoming four-day Regional Parliamentary sitting in Gulu City, starting on August 28.
A source familiar with the event revealed on August 26 that each MP has been provided with a facilitation package by Parliament.
“Just as MPs cover their expenses during field visits for committee work and other official duties, they will also be responsible for their accommodation, meals, and other costs during this sitting,” the source explained.
However, the source noted that transportation costs have been separately covered by Parliament, although the specific amount each MP received was not disclosed.
In an August 19 circular, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Adolf Mwesigye, informed MPs about the availability of buses to transport them to Gulu City for the parliamentary session.
The session, which begins at 10 a.m. on August 28, will take place at Kaunda Grounds, Gulu City.
The regional sitting will kick off with a variety of activities, including a visit by the current Speaker, Ms. Anita Among, to the resting place of the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in Omoro District.
Other activities scheduled for the first day include the official opening of a medical camp at Pece Primary School in Gulu City, a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a wall fence around Kaunda Grounds, and meetings with the boda boda association and market women groups.
In a statement dated August 22, Mr. Chris Obore, the Parliament’s director for communication, clarified that MPs and selected staff on duty during the sittings will receive a subsistence allowance, which they will use to cover their living expenses.
Mr. Obore also mentioned that the Parliamentary Commission had budgeted for and secured funding for the Gulu session as part of the Financial Year 2024/2025 budget.
He expressed confidence that holding regional plenary sittings would enhance Parliament’s oversight, legislative, and appropriation functions, bringing it closer to the citizens.
