The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party strategy to boycott key government functions and parliamentary activities has always hit a dead end.
Recently, NUP MPs and other opposition legislators snubbed the Parliamentary regional sitting in Gulu City, a move that has since sparked endless negative criticism against them. Previously, NUP MPs had boycotted several sittings, including the State of the Nation Address and the national budget reading.
Prof. Ogenga Latigo, a former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, believes that NUP has instead not achieved its interest.
He adds that despite NUP’s boycott, several activities of national importance, including making policies and enacting laws, have always been conducted successfully.
Latigo notes that the boycott often makes no impact on the national affairs of Ugandans.
He said that this keeps him wondering what they have achieved from this strategy as a party and, most importantly, for Ugandans whom they claim they are fighting to liberate from the so-called dictatorship.
Abed Bwanika said that he challenged NUP MPs who did not go to Gulu to tell the country how much money was saved, courtesy of their boycott.
He further said that Joel Ssenyonyi went to Rwanda to play volleyball during the parliamentary games at a staggering $800×12 (Shs35M), and he said that the Gulu sitting, which was just a meager $105×4 (Shs2M), to discuss issues of national importance is a waste of tax payers’ money.
Bigirwa Moses, the President of the Eastern Revolutionary Platform, said boycotting government programs and functions has exposed the NUP as a weak party and unable to engage positively in any national affairs.
Former MP Mubarak Munyagwa said that Uganda deserves a vibrant Leader of Opposition who can engage the government to push for policies that benefit Ugandans.
