Grapevine

Regional Parliament sittings waste of taxpayers’ money, district leaders say

Residents and district leaders have said the decision by Parliament to hold regional sittings is a waste of taxpayers’ money and a sign of extravagance in the face of hard economic times.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among announced on May 16 plans to hold four regional parliamentary sittings in Gulu, Masaka, Mbarara and Mbale, with the aim of taking the House close to the people.

The first sitting is supposed to take place on August 28 at Kauda Grounds in Gulu City.

However, most residents and district leaders interviewed by the Daily Monitor termed the move as another form of corruption.

Kanungu District Council Speaker Frank Byaruhanga said: “The proposed Shs5b per regional parliamentary sitting can purchase ambulance vehicles for all the health centre IVs in Kigezi and Ankole regions. Community roads are poor, most health units do not have drugs.”