Mudenda orders MPs to stop unnecessary Portfolio Committee trips

Speaker Jacob Mudenda orders MPs to halt poorly coordinated committee trips, warning that widespread absences threaten quorum, oversight and parliamentary efficiency (image source)

Speaker Jacob Mudenda interrupted proceedings after observing a striking number of empty seats on both benches and demanded an explanation from party whips, saying the pattern of committee outings was unacceptable and must stop. He reminded members that the National Assembly requires a quorum to conduct business and that frequent, poorly coordinated committee departures were leaving the House unable to fulfil its legislative and oversight functions. Mudenda noted that multiple committees had gone out simultaneously— in one instance three committees were away despite a standing directive limiting concurrent outings— and he asked the Whips to account for the absences and to ensure better coordination going forward.

Parliamentary practice typically allows committees to undertake field visits and oversight missions, but these are meant to be scheduled so they do not compromise plenary sittings. The Speaker emphasised that only a limited number of committees should be on outreach at any one time, and that the Whips’ offices must be consulted and give concurrence before trips depart. Mudenda’s intervention underlined the tension between constituency work and the need to maintain a functioning chamber: while oversight in the field is essential, it must not come at the cost of leaving constituents without representation in the House.

When large numbers of MPs are absent from plenary, constituents lose direct representation, votes may be delayed and parliamentary scrutiny of government business weakens. Observers warn that repeated absences can slow the passage of legislation, delay budget debates and reduce the effectiveness of question time and committee reports. Civil-society groups and civic commentators have long argued that MPs must balance constituency outreach with their core legislative duties; Mudenda’s public admonition is a signal that the Speaker intends to enforce that balance more strictly.

The dispute also exposes practical weaknesses in parliamentary scheduling and resource planning. If committees are routinely travelling without proper notice, the House’s administrative systems—from transport logistics to committee secretariats—may be failing to coordinate effectively. Mudenda’s demand for the Whips to concur with outreach plans is a call for stronger internal controls and clearer accountability. Some party whips acknowledged the problem, saying that ad hoc trips sometimes proceed without full clearance, and pledged to tighten internal procedures.

Parliamentary procedure allows the Speaker to issue directives and to refer persistent breaches to the House authorities for disciplinary action. Mudenda’s warning suggests he may escalate enforcement if the pattern continues, including stricter approval processes for committee travel and potential sanctions for non-compliance. For now, MPs have been put on notice: fieldwork remains legitimate, but it must be planned, authorised and timed so that the National Assembly can continue to sit with adequate numbers and fulfil its constitutional mandate.