Opposition Boycott Special Sitting for Dead NRM MP William Beijukye

MPs on the opposition side have boycotted a Parliamentary special sitting dedicated to honor ex-Ruhaama legislator William Beijukye who died last week.

Beijukye died on Friday at Nsambya hospital after battling illness for over a year. He had been hospitalized due to Hepatitise B.

As is tradition, when important persons pass on including MPs, government honors them by granting their bodies a special sitting in the House as a way of appreciating their contribution to the country.

Beijukye’s body arrived at Parliament at around 11 am Monday morning but none of the opposition members was in attendance.

Even the most significant members of the opposition including; Leader of opposition in Parliament Winfred Kiiza, Chief opposition whip Semujju Nganda and other whips of the opposition parties including Democratic party and UPC were a no show for Monday’s sitting.

The opposition side in chambers remained nearly empty with a few independent and NRM lawmakers.

When time came for the wreath from the Opposition side to be laid on the casket, shockingly it was the NRM chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa who instead took the turn.

Minister for Veteran Affairs Bright Rwamirama (NRM) then laid the wreath meant for thr chief opposition whip while Rushenyi county MP Mwesigwa Rukutana (NRM) laid the wreath on behalf of the UPC whip.

Thereafter, a motion for the resolution of parliament to pay tribute to Beijukye was moved by the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Alhajji Kirunda Kiveijinja and seconded by several members in attendance led by the Dean of Independents in Parliament, Andrew Balyayanga.

The Motion was seconded by Balyayanga who eulogized the late as being a strong and energetic Ugandan who was dedicated to serving his country.

“I arise to second the motion to pay tribute to my colleague, the people of Ruhaama County and all citizens of Uganda, we have lost a gallant son in name of William Beijukye; the late has died at the time we need him most at 46 years of age and being a first timer in Parliament, there is still a lot we expected out of him,” Balyayanga eulogized the late.

At 46 years, Beijukye is survived by a widow and four children.