TAKEAWAYS

• Odonga Otto wants MP orientation to include etiquette and table manners.
• He says some MPs lack exposure to formal dining and diplomatic conduct.
• He believes Kyankwanzi should prepare all MPs for international engagements.

Ever since he was ejected from Parliament in 2021, former Aruu County MP Hon. Odonga Otto seems to have no kind words for the current crop of legislators.

While appearing on NRG Radio, the former FDC member said some of the newly elected Members of Parliament arrive in the House without exposure to the basic etiquette expected of national leaders, especially those soon representing Uganda on the international stage.

According to Otto, orientation sessions at Kyankwanzi should go beyond politics and ideology, and instead include lessons on conduct, table manners, and how MPs should carry themselves in formal spaces.

“Some of these MPs are coming from completely different professional backgrounds. Kyankwanzi should help orient them on how to behave, how to eat, and how to conduct themselves in high-level spaces,” Otto said.

He explained that some legislators may be visiting Kampala for the first time, or attending their first event with the President, which makes such guidance important rather than something to laugh off.

Otto particularly stressed the need for lessons on dining etiquette, saying many leaders may find themselves in meetings abroad with diplomats, senators, and foreign officials, yet lack confidence on simple things like how to use cutlery, place napkins, or handle formal dinner conversations.

“By the time you are sworn in, you may find yourself in New York or Paris having dinner with top officials. If you don’t know where the fork or knife goes, it becomes embarrassing,” he added.

In one of his more humorous but pointed remarks, Otto said he has seen MPs in the parliamentary canteen “fidgeting with forks like weapons” and even pointing knives at colleagues while making arguments.

He suggested that etiquette sessions should bring together both opposition and NRM MPs, saying these are practical life skills that help leaders present themselves better wherever they go.