David Pulkol Moves to Re-Introduce Parliamentary Score Card

Former spy chief and Executive Director of the African Leadership Institute (AFLI), David Pulkol has expressed intent to re-introduce the controversial parliamentary score card.

Speaking at an engagement with Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) journalists in Bugolobi, Pulkol revealed that the scorecard his time round is meant to assess both the performance of Parliament and legislators regarding pertinent matters such as the National Development Plan (NDP II).

“So when parliament is making its decisions do they keep it at the centre of decision making. Are they taking Uganda along this path of National Development Plan or are there new emergencies?” he said.

Pulkol says his organization is enhancing mass participation as far as decision making processes are concerned and holding their leaders accountable when it matters.

As such, he called upon stakeholders to appreciate this development warmly saying it has got nothing to do with blackmail since outcomes correspond with those in the Hansard.

“They shouldn’t see it as witch-hunt. It’s either in the Hansard or not. You either spoke or didn’t. You either came to attend or did not attend?” Pulkol added.

The last time the parliamentary score card was implemented, in sparked controversy and a serious spat between AFLI and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, then Ruhaama County Member of Parliament after the 2008-2009 card listed her among the worst performers.

Commenting on the move to reintroduce the scorecard, Ntungamo Municipality MP Gerald Karuhanga said MPs performance should be gauged on the impact of their legislation rather than considering attendance.

“You need to look out for the issues raised and the contribution of the member as opposed to how often one probably talks or even how often he just shows up. Because at the end of the day, it’s the results you look out for,” he said.

On depreciating levels of parliamentary debate, Karuhanga retorted that a number of MPs are no longer vocal because they felt betrayed by the lifting of the age limit while those that were for it walk in guilt.

On the other hand, Dr. Tanga Odoi the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission tossed the problem back to schools.

“Once debate is not strengthened at Primary or secondary level you will not expect a very good product,” he noted.