Parliament of Uganda, the legislative body has made it mandatory for the country’s legislators( members of parliament) to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before being allowed to take part in all parliamentary sessions and proceedings.
“Some Members of Parliament (MPs) have been vaccinated while others have not,” said Chris Obore, Director of Communications at Parliament of Uganda on Friday.
According to Obore, those that have not been vaccinated should get the jabs by Tuesday 17th, August 2021.
Obore said that the same restrictions would apply to parliamentary staff, and journalists.
“No visitors will be allowed in the chambers because the public gallery will be used by legislators since the house can only accommodate 100 people,” he added.
He said the country has 429 legislators but they would attend plenary in shifts.
“We have asked party chief whips to draw a plan which will allow the legislators to attend proceedings on a rotational basis,” he said.
According to Ministry of Health statistics, over 1.16 million people had been vaccinated since the exercise started in March this year.
The Parliament of Uganda derives its mandate and functions from the 1995 Constitution, the Laws of Uganda and its own Rules of Procedure.
The Constitution contains articles which provide for the establishment, composition and functions of the Parliament of Uganda and empowers Parliament “to make laws on any matter for the peace, order, development and good governance of Uganda”, and “to protect the Constitution and promote democratic governance in Uganda”.
