Parliamentary Chambers Construction Delay Prompts Urgent Report Request
By The Public lens
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has directed the Commissioners of the House to submit a detailed report on the status of the new parliamentary chambers within two weeks.
This directive follows concerns raised by Kassanda North MP Patrick Oshabe during a plenary session on October 16, 2024, about the delayed project.
Oshabe emphasized that MPs deserve updates on the chambers’ progress, which have been long overdue.
Speaker Among tasked the Commissioners with preparing the report promptly.
The Commissioners, including Speaker Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, among others, are responsible for overseeing the project.
The construction, handled by Roko Construction Company LTD, began in July 2017 with a UGX 206 billion budget and was initially scheduled for completion in July 2020.
However, numerous delays have frustrated MPs, prompting Speaker Among’s urgent request.
The new chambers will provide seating for 600 MPs, a significant upgrade from the current 100, and feature modern facilities, including a museum, archiving facility, gallery, and office spaces.
The existing chambers, built in 1956, were designed for only 88 MPs, highlighting the need for expansion to accommodate the current 559 MPs and 450 staff.
