The Minister of Internal Affairs, Major Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, will have to justify government’s move to relocate Luzira Prison from the capital Kampala to Buikwe District, in favour of an international conference centre and commercial hub.
Speaker Anita Among issued the directive in response to a matter of national importance raised by Igara County West MP, Hon. Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, on Wednesday, 28 February 2024.
Mbwatekamwa said he was concerned that government is making a critical decision without consulting the people’s representatives.
“The story about the relocation of Luzira Prison has been in social media but I have not seen any minister or the Prime Minister coming to this House to explain if it is true,” said Mbwatekamwa.
He noted that he was in possession of two letters already in the public domain regarding a presidential instruction to Otafiire, to carry out consultative meetings over Luzira prison relocation.
“The letter by the President on relocation of the prison is dated 10 July 2022, and the letter by Otafiire inviting stakeholders in regards to the directive is dated 22 February 2022,” Mbwatekamwa said.
He was further concerned that the minister charged with the relocation has had bad press, where he is accused of grabbing a government ranch in Buikwe District.
Among cognisant of Parliament rules of procedures, guided Mbwaketamwa to wait for the minister’s presence to raise his concerns.
“Can you raise that issue when Gen. Otafiire is in the House? Our rules say you cannot speak about a person who is not in the House,” said Among, who added, “The issue of Official Secrecy Act applies, but if it is true I would like to ask the minister to come and give an explanation”.
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