The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has urged Members of the 12th Parliament to uphold integrity, accountability and evidence-based legislation as they prepare to undertake their constitutional responsibilities.
Speaking during the ongoing induction seminar for Members of Parliament at Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo, Oboth said the quality of Parliament’s work would directly impact the livelihoods of Ugandans, calling on legislators to serve with honesty and professionalism.
He stressed that the 12th Parliament would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, warning Members against claiming allowances for activities they did not attend.
“Accountability starts with us. Do not ask for payment for trips you have not taken or sign attendance for meetings you did not attend,” Oboth said.
The Speaker also urged legislators to base their debates on facts and credible evidence rather than misinformation, adding that Parliament should remain transparent, accessible and accountable to the public.
He further called for proactive oversight, encouraging parliamentary committees to monitor government programmes during implementation instead of waiting until projects fail before intervening.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja urged Members of Parliament to work closely with government in advancing national development and improving livelihoods through effective legislation. She pledged to ensure ministers regularly attend Parliament and respond to issues raised by legislators, noting that oversight should strengthen government performance rather than create confrontation.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi reminded legislators that Parliament’s primary role is to scrutinise government actions, demand accountability and ensure public resources are used effectively. He said every decision made by Parliament should be guided by its impact on ordinary Ugandans.
Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige said the induction programme is equipping legislators with knowledge in parliamentary procedure, budgeting, governance, oversight, leadership, technology, cybersecurity and ethical leadership to strengthen their effectiveness.
Development partners, including the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), also reaffirmed their support to Parliament, urging Members to prioritise accountability, public participation and effective oversight to ensure public resources deliver meaningful development outcomes.
