Parliament Clarifies Foreign Medical Treatment Protocol for Legislators

Uganda’s Parliament has issued a clarification regarding the foreign medical treatment of Kawempe North legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya. It has been confirmed that Ssegirinya did not adhere to the required procedures, leading to the decision that Parliament will not cover his medical expenses.

The case of Kawempe North legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya sparked discussions when he sought medical treatment abroad without obtaining the necessary recommendations from both the Speaker of Parliament and the Leader of the Opposition. Parliament has underscored the importance of legislators following established procedures and regulations.

According to the Director of Communications and Public Relations at Parliament, the current system allows Members of Parliament to choose insurance coverage for themselves and their immediate families. However, when it comes to seeking medical treatment outside the country, a comprehensive evaluation by a medical board is required.

Obore, the Director of Communications, confirmed that Ssegirinya traveled abroad for medical treatment without obtaining the necessary recommendations from both the Speaker of Parliament and the Leader of the Opposition. While the situation is regrettable, Obore emphasized the importance of prioritizing adherence to established standards in the management of public affairs.

Betty Nambooze, Mukono municipality representative in Parliament, shared from her own experience that the process can be challenging, involving multiple boards convening and deliberating before granting permission.

Obore reiterated that these established standards apply uniformly to all members, without exceptions. This emphasizes the need to prevent any potential abuse of parliamentary privileges or attempts at blackmail.