By Spy Uganda
Kampala: President Yoweri Museveni has assented to five Bills into laws.
The development was confirmed by the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, 06 February 2024.
The newly enacted laws include the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, 2024; the Judicature (Amendment) Act, 2023; the Explosives Act, 2023; The Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2003; and the Competition Act, 2023.
Following the good news, Tayebwa praised President Museveni for endorsing these Bills, emphasizing their significance in ensuring the effective functioning of the country’s affairs.
During the parliamentary session, Tayebwa assigned the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), David Bahati, the responsibility of presenting the Consumer Protection Bill, reminding him of a previous commitment.
The Consumer Protection Bill aims to establish standards for the quality, safety, and reliability of goods. Additionally, it outlines remedies for non-compliance with these standards and prohibits unfair trade practices.
Tayebwa recalled previous discussions where Minister Bahati highlighted the need for a separate Consumer Protection Bill during the processing of the Competition Act, 2023. He urged the minister to fulfill his commitment and present the bill.
“Hon. Minister, remember we discussed the Consumer Protection Bill and you said it should be different from the Competition Bill – we need you to table the Bill,” Tayebwa said
Addressing the concern raised by Nakaseke South County MP Semakula Luttamaguzi, who advocated for expediting the Minimum Wage Bill, Tayebwa assured Parliament that he would investigate the status of the bill and determine the next steps.
“We appreciate the speed at which the President assented to the Bills. However, I am very concerned about the Minimum Wage Bill. What happened to the Bill? The people we represent ask for it, where did it go?” asked Luttamaguzi.
Luttamaguzi emphasized the high demand for this legislation in his constituency and questioned its current status, prompting a commitment from the Deputy Speaker to follow up on the matter.
