Speaker Anita Among Temporarily Halts Bill To Dissolve Karamoja Development Agency

In a strategic move aimed at fostering cohesion and inclusivity, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has called for a temporary halt to the consideration of the Bill that seeks to dissolve the Karamoja Development Agency (KDA). 

This decision follows the recent appointment of two new Ministers for Karamoja: Hon. Peter Lokeris (Minister for Karamoja Affairs), and Hon. Florence Nambozo Wamala, Minister of State (Office of the Prime Minister, Karamoja Affairs).

The Karamoja Development Agency (Repeal) Bill, 2024 was due for second reading on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, but the Speaker argued that because all the Ministers for Karamoja are new and therefore needed to familiarise themselves with the Bill, but also harmonise with the people of Karamoja.

“I am requesting that we give these people time to harmonise and come up with a position on Karamoja Development Agency and then they report on that effect,” she said.

The Speaker’s guidance underscores the crucial need for the incoming ministers to synchronise their perspectives on the Bill aimed at rationalising the agency’s operations before parliamentary deliberations proceed further. 

With the departure of the former Minister for Karamoja, Hon. Mary Goretti Gitutu, and State Minister for Karamoja, Hon. Agnes Nandutu, the onus now falls on the newly appointed ministers to navigate the complexities of the proposed legislation and establish a unified stance.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, agreed with the Speaker that the new ministers be given time to go through the Bill which seeks to repeal the law establishing the Karamoja Development Agency.

Parliament is debating over 30 Bills meant to dissolve most of the Government agencies in a move aimed at improving effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery over the years.

Several agencies were created in different Ministries through Acts of Parliament and statutory instruments with the aim of improving service delivery. The Karamoja Development Agency was established in 1987 to facilitate social, political and economic development of the Karamoja sub region.

Meanwhile, the Speaker also tasked the Government Chief Whip to ensure that all Members of Parliament from the ruling party do attend the House since the all the 30 Bills need to be passed and do require quorum.