12th Parliament Poised to Be Uganda's Best, Says Deputy Speaker Tayebwa

The 12th Parliament has the potential to become the “best” in Uganda’s history, according to Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. He shared this sentiment at the closing of a five-day induction program for new Members of Parliament at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Tayebwa noted that the quality of debates, the members’ eagerness to learn, and their readiness to tackle difficult questions during the induction have convinced him of their capacity to make significant historical contributions. He emphasized that by examining the curriculum vitae of current MPs and comparing them to those of past Parliaments, along with observing their engagement, he sees a strong foundation for success.

He urged the legislators to focus on ensuring that government programs translate into tangible improvements in service delivery within their constituencies. This, he argued, would bolster public trust in both Parliament and the government. Tayebwa specifically advised MPs to actively monitor the utilization of public funds allocated to local governments for essential services such as roads, water, and wealth creation initiatives, rather than leaving oversight solely to technical staff.

Reflecting on the 11th Parliament’s performance, Tayebwa acknowledged its accomplishments in legislation, appropriation, and oversight. However, he called for increased participation from Members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in accountability processes, suggesting that crucial questions should be raised by all members, not just the opposition.

The Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, advised the new MPs to prioritize their health and family life amidst the demanding schedule of parliamentary duties. State Minister for Primary Health Care, Hon. Charles Ayume, also highlighted the intense demands on public leaders’ time, noting the upcoming completion of the government-funded Heart Hospital in Naguru, which is expected to ease pressure on the Uganda Heart Institute.

The induction program provided new Members with comprehensive knowledge on key parliamentary functions including legislation, oversight, budgeting, and ethics. This initiative aimed to equip them for their roles effectively.