Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro has defended the push to alter the National Assembly calendar so that a sitting will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024.

The MPs will meet this Friday at 9:30 AM for the morning session and 2:30 PM for the afternoon session.

While moving the motion Member Of Parliament (MP) for South Mugirango Osoro, emphasized that the special sitting would help the National Assembly recover the time lost during the Mazingira Day celebrations.

He argued that MPs lost considerable time when their sessions were adjourned to conduct public participation on a Special Motion to impeach the Deputy President.

“The House will consider priority business mediated Bills including Sugar Bill (2022), Water Bill (2023), Sugar Bill, Divisions of Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2024, National Rating Bill (2023) and a number of Private Members Bills which are at risk of lapsing,” Osoro argued.

The Majority Whip added, “By adjusting the House calendar, we can recover lost time and prioritise the passage of critical Bills.”

His sentiments come even as reports claimed that the special sitting was convened in anticipation of DP Gachagua’s impeachment which is currently being heard at the Senate.

Priority bills

Among the priority bills to be considered during the Friday sitting are Mediated Bills including the Divisions of Revenue (Amendment) Bill (2024) and the Sugar Bill (2023), along with several private Members’ Bills that were at risk of lapsing due to time constraints.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, Chairperson of the Mediated Version of the Sugar Bill, seconded the motion indicating that it is crucial for immediate consideration.

“As the Chairperson of the Mediated Committee on the Sugar Bill, I second this motion to ensure that this crucial Bill is passed by this House. The Sugar Bill is of national importance, especially for our agricultural sector and the communities that depend on sugar production,” Wangwe stated.

The altered schedule will allow the House to effectively handle key legislative matters before the short recess, ensuring that essential Bills are not delayed.

Osoro expressed confidence that the additional sitting on Friday would give Members ample time to consider the Bills.