Mudenda rebukes MPs over excessive cellphone use in Parliament

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has reprimanded Members of Parliament for spending parliamentary proceedings on their mobile phones, warning that the growing habit is undermining meaningful debate and effective participation in the House.

Interrupting proceedings on Tuesday, Mudenda urged legislators to put away their phones and focus on parliamentary business, saying they had sufficient time outside the chamber to engage on social media.

"You had all the time to do the tweeting, Hon. Members. Most Honourables, since we started, you are on your cellphones. Chave chirwere, umkhuhlane sibili. Listen to what is going on. You learn a lot from others; even if they are saying things that are untoward to some degree, you learn the same," Mudenda said.

His remarks came after observing that many legislators appeared more engrossed in their mobile devices than in the debates taking place on the floor of the House.

The Speaker said MPs should use parliamentary sittings to listen to contributions from fellow legislators, arguing that robust debate and attentive participation are essential to the legislative process.

Mudenda's rebuke comes amid growing concerns about the level of engagement by some lawmakers during parliamentary sessions, where Members are expected to scrutinise government business, debate legislation and represent the interests of their constituents.

The Speaker has previously emphasised the importance of discipline and active participation in Parliament as key to strengthening legislative oversight and accountability.