The third year of Uganda's 11th parliament has come to a close, revealing a stark and troubling state of representation in the nation's political landscape.
A staggering number of MPs from the Lango sub-region have failed to contribute to parliamentary debates, raising serious concerns about whether the voices of their constituents are being heard.
According to parliamentary records, out of 87 plenary sessions, many MPs from Lango remained silent, despite pressing issues affecting their communities. Odur Jonathan emerged as a notable exception, contributing a remarkable 181 times.
In stark contrast, prominent MPs such as Akora Maxwell and Obong Eyit did not utter a single word throughout the entire session.
This silence is particularly alarming given the myriad challenges facing Lango, including poverty, inadequate education, and poor healthcare.
The lack of vocal representation in parliament suggests these critical issues may remain unaddressed, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and neglect.
"The silence of Lango MPs is a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by their constituents," remarked a concerned citizen from Lango. "How can they claim to represent us when they fail to speak up on our behalf?"
The statistics paint a grim picture: out of 31 MPs from Lango, only five spoke more than ten times during the entire session.
Fifteen MPs contributed less than five times, while two did not speak at all. This glaring lack of participation has prompted widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
"This is a crisis of representation," said a political analyst. "The people of Lango deserve better. They need MPs who will champion their causes, not just occupy seats in parliament."
The implications of this silence are far-reaching. Critical issues such as poverty, poor education, and inadequate healthcare in Lango are likely to go unaddressed, further hindering the region's development.
The continuous neglect threatens to entrench systemic underdevelopment, leaving the region's residents in a perpetual state of disadvantage.The people of Lango are demanding accountability from their elected officials.
They are calling for their MPs to either start actively representing them in parliament or step aside for those who will. This demand for action reflects a broader sentiment across Uganda: citizens are no longer willing to tolerate silent and inactive leaders.
The silence of Lango MPs in parliament serves as a stark reminder of the flaws in Uganda's political system. Effective representation is crucial for addressing the needs and aspirations of the people.
As the 11th parliament progresses, the scrutiny on MPs, especially those from Lango, will intensify.Will Lango’s MPs finally find their voices and start advocating for their people Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the people of Uganda are no longer willing to accept silence and inaction from their leaders.
The era of accountability has begun, and the nation's future depends on the active and effective representation of its elected officials.