Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has held talks with Lord Krish Raval of the UK House of Lords on parliamentary cooperation, trade and investment between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The meeting in Kampala focused on using relations between the two parliaments to support wider cooperation between the two countries.
Oboth said Parliament wants to build closer links with selected countries, including the United Kingdom, and use those relationships to support Uganda’s economic interests.
He said Uganda and the UK already have longstanding historical ties, but wants the relationship to deliver more opportunities in trade, investment and business over the next five years.
Oboth said Parliament is prepared to consider legislation that can make it easier for businesses from both countries to operate and remove unnecessary barriers to trade.
He also said parliamentary diplomacy is intended to complement the work of government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lord Krish Raval said the rule of law is important in attracting and retaining investment.
He said parliamentarians have a role in protecting the rule of law and providing the confidence and legitimacy investors need when deciding where to put their money.
Raval, who was born in Uganda and now sits in the UK House of Lords, is visiting the country as part of engagements on investment and cooperation.
His delegation has also held meetings with President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and other government officials during the visit.
The meeting with Speaker Oboth follows Oboth’s visit to London in September, where he held talks with Speaker of the UK House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle on closer cooperation between the two legislatures.
