Vice President Ssekandi Bids Farewell to Parliament

Mercy Nalugo

3 June 2011

The Vice President, Mr Edward Ssekandi, has defended the 8th Parliament, insisting that it weathered the storm but remained intact. “As an individual, who has been at the helm of the House as Speaker, I am pleased with the achievements we have made as Parliament,” Mr Ssekandi said.

“Of course, it has not been smooth, but you will agree with me that we have weathered the storm and come out tried and tested but solid,” he said. He was yesterday speaking at his farewell party organised by Parliament at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

Mr Ssekandi steered the 8th Parliament, the first multi-party Parliament in 20 years but told the MPs and Parliament staff in his farewell speech that it was not an easy task.

“We first had a shaky year when we encountered challenges as we went through many hurdles. In that year, we were confronted with a lot of cynicism from the media and critics. We were branded greedy and without sense of direction. However, we did not focus on our weaknesses and we soldiered on with determination to succeed,” he said.

Mr Ssekandi said much as the opposition had divergent views during the course of parliamentary work, this did not prevent them from working with the NRM.

“We have at times agreed to disagree but ensured that we can co-exist in the House in spite of our political differences. I think this has made us better people for we have as individuals leant to tolerate our differences. We have also learnt that having opposing views does not make you one’s enemy,” he said.

He congratulated his colleagues who were elected to serve in the 9th Parliament and wished them success.

“I advise that you remain cool-headed and open to new ideas and even criticisms as you have been in Parliament,” Mr Ssekandi said.

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