Tayebwa proposes committee to address political tensions
CAPTION: Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa makes his way to his seat to preside over the day’s sitting. (Courtesy Photo).
By Our reporter
KAMPALA – Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has proposed the formation of a reconciliation committee comprising legislators from across the political divide to address growing political tensions and incidents of violence.
Tayebwa made the proposal during the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 noting that political divisions have reached a point where Members of Parliament cannot safely attend the funerals of fellow legislators.
“If we are so divided to the extent that we cannot bury each other, where are we going as a nation?” Tayebwa asked.
The proposal follows an incident at the burial of former Busiro South MP, Hon. Charles Matovu where Kibuku County Representative, Hon. Herbert Kinobere was attacked chased away by angry mourners. The current Busiro South MP, Hon. Kenan Opio also reportedly stayed away from the burial for fear of his safety.
Tayebwa proposed that the Government and Opposition Chief Whips each constitute a five-member team to engage in dialogue and explore ways of easing tensions among MPs and their supporters.
“It can start with us; We can show the country that we can talk together, reconcile together and, love each other despite what goes on politically,” he said.
He said MPs should be able to support colleagues during bereavement without suspicion or fear of being attacked because of their political affiliations.
“I need to find it safe to stand with a colleague. And I need a colleague also to find it safe to associate with me because I am a colleague in the House,” he added.
Hon. Wanyoto
State Minister for Public Service, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto said that MPs have faced hostility while attending funerals adding that Kinobere’s vehicle was stoned and vandalised during Matovu’s burial.
She said MPs who publicly express condolences are sometimes misunderstood, insulted and accused of celebrating the deaths of their colleagues.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi asked MPs to rise above political differences saying their responsibilities as national leaders should take precedence over partisan affiliations.
“I being in NRM and you being in the opposition party should not make us enemies,” he said.
Hon. Kasule Lumumba
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Kasule Lumumba supported the proposal arguing that it will help the country heal from tensions that have persisted since the January elections.
“We need to open a new page and move together as human beings,” she said adding that leaders had a responsibility to spearhead reconciliation.
Hon. Nambooze
Mukono Municipality MP, Hon. Betty Nambooze suggested that discussions on national dialogue should extend beyond Parliament. She argued that chasing people away from burials was contrary to Ugandan cultural values.
“It is not within our culture that a person dies and others celebrate. It is also not within our culture that one goes for burial and he is chased,” she said.
