"We will punish you over absenteeism"- Speaker Kadaga warns Betty Nambooze

The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has warned Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze that she risks disciplinary action over continued absence from parliament despite the latter being sick. 

The warning is contained in a June 7 letter to Ms Nambooze in which the speaker states that “It has come to my notice that in the last session, you absented yourself from nineteen (19) out of the twenty three (23) meetings of the committee on Public Service and Local Government without permission. This is contrary to Rule 111(6) and 112(1 &2) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. 

This is, therefore, to notify you that persistent absence from committee activities in the next session will attract disciplinary action proceedings against you under Rules 111(7) and 112(2) of the Rules of Procedures of Parliament.” Betty Nambooze who confirmed receiving the letter said she had tried all effort to communicate whenever she was about to be away from Parliament and that the speaker had always known of her poor health. "I have been sick since September last year and got the letter two days ago even when it is dated June 7. But the most important thing is; I have been ill and even in June they were not supposed to fault me,” she said.

“As indicated in the letter I have written to the Speaker, this letter was sent to me erroneously and I think in normal circumstances, the Parliament spokesperson would apologize for sending this letter,” said Ms Nambooze shortly before she left for India where she is currently receiving specialized treatment.