UDC backbench revolt
Tension is simmering between Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) backbenchers and their President, Advocate Duma Boko, over what the MPs see as the absence of “engagement with their leader at a critical period in the country.”
Several MPs speaking with this publication on condition of anonymity say ever since they won power last year, they have only met Adv. Boko once in March this year, after five months in office.
The legislators are still doubtful of the meeting's legitimacy because it was held after some backbenchers had ruffled a few feathers.
Kamal Jacobs of Lobatse had at the time told parliament that Boko had threatened to kill him.
Mogoditshane West’s Gasewabo Lekau had also complained about the leadership on the same day, prompting Boko to call a late-night caucus meeting the following week when he arrived from an international trip.
But the maverick lawmakers are unhappy with Boko’s style.
“He regularly meets the cabinet, maybe twice a week. On the other hand, we have become neglected kids in the family, yet we are important in this government. The UDC is where it is because of us; therefore, we need the attention of the President,” a UDC MP told this publication.
It is concerning because the legislators say their cabinet colleagues normally starve them of information on the basis that cabinet matters are not for third-party consumption.
“At the end, we appear like we are cartoons because we normally hear stuff just like ordinary Batswana on Facebook or through the media,” another MP said.
The MP added that they are even invited to Kgotla meetings by the District Commissioners while they are in Gaborone, where decisions are taken.
Efforts to get a comment from the Government Whip and MP for Boteti West, Sam Digwa, were futile at the time of going to press.
What worries the backbench is that the government of the day has adopted the same style that was used by the former ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in which the backbench was put in the dark, but they will be expected to fully contribute and support Bills brought by the ministers.
To show their displeasure, before parliament started early this month, the MPs rejected a meeting that was to be addressed by Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe.
The meeting was held a day after they completed their weeklong workshop in Jwaneng. The idea was to cajole them to attend parliament in large numbers and support a number of government bills that are currently being debated.
“We could not be addressed by VP. He has done well in terms of engagement, but this time we wanted number one so that we can also raise our issues.”
The meeting was annulled and the following day, Adv. Boko addressed the MPs, who also appreciated but told him their concerns, especially those besieging their constituencies.
“Re romilwe ke batho, (we represent electorates), we should know what is going on and tell them about the prospects, and the only person who can give us a real, clear picture is the President, hence we wanted him. We ought to retain this power in 2029, and we can only do that through public trust. We are the ones who mingle with the people directly,” another rookie MP stated.
In the last caucus meeting that was held, a number of issues were raised by the MPs. The meeting adjourned at midnight.
One of the main issues discussed was the lack of official vehicles for MPs to service their constituencies effectively.
MPs argued that, unlike ministers, mayors, and council chairpersons who have access to official cars, they are often forced to use personal vehicles for official duties.
Another key issue raised was the poor accommodation conditions for MPs, which they believe do not reflect the importance of their office.
Some MPs also voiced their concerns about the need for new cars for ministers and other senior officials, with a refleeting plan expected to be implemented in the upcoming financial year.
Water and sanitation projects were also significant topics of discussion. Over 20 MPs, including ministers, emphasised the need for water to be prioritised, especially in the context of the upcoming 2029 elections.