Parliament has formally recognized Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi from Mawokota County South as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party Whip in Parliament, replacing the absent Kiira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju.
This decision follows a challenge raised by certain FDC MPs, led by Hon. Francis Mwijukye of Buhweju County, who petitioned Speaker Anita Among in August 2023, contesting Nsibambi’s appointment.
Speaker Among, after receiving the appointment letter for Nsibambi, simultaneously received a petition from FDC MPs citing non-compliance with the FDC Party’s constitution. Deputy Speaker, reading Among’s letter to MPs, outlined the challenges to Nsibambi’s appointment, leading to a suspension of the decision pending resolution of the internal FDC issues as per a letter from FDC Secretary General, Hon. Nathan Nandala-Mafabi, dated 15 August 2023.
In compliance with the court ruling of October 6, 2023, Speaker Among reversed her earlier decision, announcing Nsibambi’s appointment during the plenary session on Wednesday, 11 October 2023, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
“The court affirmed the FDC national delegates conference’s authority to appoint new office bearers. I extend my congratulations to Hon. Nsibambi, the new FDC Party whip in Parliament,” stated Among.
Nsibambi expressed his commitment to enhancing the party’s engagement in parliamentary affairs, emphasizing the importance of substantive discussions. “In my role, I won’t be a mere supervisor; I aim to facilitate discussions addressing societal issues rather than merely politicking,” he affirmed.
The FDC Party, comprising 31 members, stands as one of the seven political parties represented in the House.