The bill, presented by the Honorable Attorney General and Minister for Justice, was pulled before it could proceed to its second reading.
He officially withdrew the bill from the National Assembly, citing flaws in the bill’s content.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta, informed lawmakers that the document contained “certain mischiefs” that necessitated immediate correction.
“Accordingly, today is appointed for the withdrawal in accordance with Order 76,” he announced to the Assembly before moving the motion.
“I beg to move that the bill entitled Judiciary Officer's Enumeration and Order Entitlement Bill 2024 be withdrawn,” the Minister declared.
The motion was promptly seconded by the Honorable Member for Nyanija, triggering a voice vote.
After the voting, the Speaker confirmed the bill’s withdrawal: stating: “Honorable Members, the bill is deemed to have been withdrawn.”
The development raises questions about the drafting and review process of key legislative documents. It is unclear what specific irregularities were detected in the bill, which was expected to reform the remuneration and benefits structure for judicial officers.
The fate of the Judiciary Bill remains uncertain, with no timeline yet announced for its re-introduction. However, its hasty withdrawal underscores growing concerns about the legislative vetting process and the integrity of documents brought before the country’s lawmakers.
