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{
    "id": 47386,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/47386/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 268,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Bifwoli",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Lands",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 208,
        "legal_name": "Sylvester Wakoli Bifwoli",
        "slug": "wakoli-bifwoli"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this chance to contribute to this very important Bill. I would like to say, from the outset, that I support this Bill with amendments. I will only support it when it is amended in some areas. The first reason why I support this Bill is because it makes the Constitution operational. On that basis, I support the Bill. Secondly, I support the Bill to remove the notion that MPs decide their own salaries and allowances. On that basis, I will support it. Thirdly, I will support it because when you look at the appointment of the Commissioners, you will see that the process is very clear. The Bill gives freedom to the organ. For example, Clause 7(3) says:- “The relevant nominating body shall consider the applications received under Sub-section (i) to determine the compliance with the provision of the Constitution and this Act, interview the applicants and forward the names of two persons so qualified, who shall be of opposite gender, to the Cabinet Secretary for onward transmission to the President.” This Bill gives our President an option to pick from two people who qualify, and of either gender. It does not tie the hand of the President. The President cannot also dictate to Parliament to endorse a name. Previously, we had given him that leeway. On that basis, I want to support this Bill. That is because when you are given two options, and you have some doubts with the first option, you can go for the second option. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also have a lot of reservations. One, there is an area that I would like to see some amendments. I request the Minister, who is here, to look at Clause 11 which says:- “The Commission shall:- “(a) inquire into and determine the salaries and remuneration to be paid out of public funds to State officers and other public officers.” Here, I would like the Committee that will come up with amendments to remove the word “determine” and replace it with “advice”. I have a good reason for saying that. That sentence contravenes our own Constitution. When you look at Section 41 of our Constitution, you will see that it gives people the freedom to belong to trade unions. I come from a background of trade unions. As a trained teacher, we used to have the Teacher Service Remuneration Committee. The Government had six representatives. The teachers used to have five representatives. This particular clause will render the Teacher Service Remuneration Committee irrelevant. You know that teachers are not civil servants. They are public officers. People are supposed to belong to their unions. Our Constitution recognizes that we are free to belong to a trade union. However, this particular Clause removes the freedom of joining a union. Look at Sub-clause (b). I would like to have it deleted. It reads:- “(b) Keep under review all matters relating to the salaries and remuneration of public officers.” This contravenes our Constitution that we passed last year. That means that we should not have any trade union. This Bill kills COTU, KNUT, KUPPET and any other union. At what point will trade unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers? Sub-clause (h) reads:- “(h) perform such other functions as may be provided for by the Constitution or any other written law.” With due respect, some of us conduct a lot of research. It is unfortunate that I have come across the fact that there is a proposed TSC Bill. Under the proposed TSC Bill which has not been tabled here, and which I have--- Please, allow me to alert the nation of the fact that there is some malice from TSC. The drafters of this Bill must have worked in concurrence with TSC. This is very sad. TSC, in its proposed Bill, is proposing that the remuneration due and payable by the Commission to teachers and its secretariat staff shall be as prescribed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. How did they know that we are going to discuss The Salaries and Remuneration Commission Bill so that they came up with this Bill? If the Chair allows me, I will table it. Can I table it, so that the Chair can look at it? It is the prerogative of the Chair to tell me whether it is relevant or not."
}