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{
    "id": 678152,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/678152/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 365,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Nabwala",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13116,
        "legal_name": "Catherine Mukiite Nabwala",
        "slug": "catherine-mukiite-nabwala"
    },
    "content": "Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise to second this very important Bill; The Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill, 2014 whose objective is very clear. The Mover stated very clearly that the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act, Cap 6 which is the current law on this subject did not envisage a bicameral parliament. Therefore, this Bill is moved today so that we can debate on the various clauses that the Mover talked about. The main objective of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill, 2014 is to give effect to Article 117 of the Constitution. We know that Article 117 (1) of the Constitution talks about freedom of speech and debate in Parliament. Parliament may for the purpose of orderly and effective discharge of the business of Parliament provide for the powers, privileges, immunities of Parliament, its committees, the leader of the majority party, the leader of the minority party, the chairpersons of committees and members. Madam Temporary Speaker, the Mover has touched on all these items and I would like to support the Bill because it is important particularly to legislators because when we stand here to speak, we sometimes speak about matters that are sensitive. The Bill seeks to protect us from legal suits and give us powers, privileges and immunity.This Bill sets out the code of conduct within Parliament. It also protects the precincts of Parliament. The Al Shabaab have bombed supermarkets in the past because of laxity in security checks. The Bill gives impetus to our security arrangements within Parliament. I support this Bill on that basis. Some Members of Parliamenthave been harassed for not conducting themselves in a proper manner. For example, we saw what happened in the National Assembly when the President was delivering his Speech during the Joint Sitting of Parliament early this year . Hon. Opiyo Wandayi was ordered out of Parliament by the Speaker. We will have a Committee that will listen to contentious and conflicting matters. We have also had cases where governors appear before the Senate and are confronted by some Members. We do not want governors to be mishandled and thrown out of the Committee rooms by the orderlies. If we have a Committee in place to handle such matters, we shall have a better way of conducting our business without disruption. The Mover also talked about two joint committees that will be formed by the National Assembly and the Senate. Both committees will be headed by the Speakers. These committees will be important because they will bring together the two Houses and promote the bicameral system. We are supposed to work together so as to serve the public better. Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to second the Bill and thank the Mover. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}