Editor,

This Monday, parliament resumed business after spending two months on recess.

I was among the many journalists that covered the evening plenary session in which the legislative body discussed its business agenda and a number of bills tabled by the government.

I have been to the Parliamentary Building on several occasions but for totally different reasons; however this was my first time attending a parliamentary sitting as a journalist.

So I found it logical to seek the day’s agenda from the parliamentary reception office which was gladly handed to me by a lady who was also generous enough to guide me to the entrance into the plenary.

I also wanted to be acquainted with the do and don’ts while attending a parliamentary session. 

She also advised that telephones be switched off and no photographing, which left me baffled because I had been reliably informed by my colleagues that this was an open session. Besides, I saw a television reporter moving freely as he filmed the proceedings.

On the front bench there is speaker Rose Muntabana flanked by her two deputies and cabinet ministers; Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama State Minister for Presidency Solina Nyirahabimana and State Minister for Local Government Christine Nyatanyi.

While the proceedings were interesteding I was constantly straining my eyes along with the other members of the Press, because we were forced to sit quite a distance from the main proceedings.

Madam Speaker, we need a press gallery that allows us to follow the proceedings easily!

A concerned journalist