Government Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa has appointed 18 regional whips of Parliament to assist, coordinate and whip MPs in their respective regions.
This is the first time a government chief whip is designating regional whips. Initially, whips are designated according to the respective political parties in the House.
In a letter dated July 26, 2021 addressed to all Members of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, Tayebwa has designated regional whips, whip in-charge of interest groups and whip in-charge of accountability committees.
This according to Tayebwa is intended to ease coordination of MPs to attend plenary, committees or any other parliamentary business.
Rule 15 of the Parliament Rules of Procedure stipulates that there shall be a Government Chief Whip appointed by the Government from among Members of Parliament representing the ruling party charged with the responsibility of ensuring due attendance, participation in proceedings and voting in Parliament of Members of the ruling party.
Other functions of the Government Chief Whip among others include; organizing party business, keeping Members informed of Parliamentary Business, supplying lists of Members to serve on Standing and Sectoral Committees, co-operating with Whips in putting into effect and coordinating agreed Parliamentary business, etc.
