Speaker Demands Accounting Officers Appear Before Parliamentary Committees

Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth has issued a directive, emphasizing the mandatory nature of appearing before parliamentary committees for accounting officers. He highlighted that disregarding summons undermines the very foundation of constitutional accountability, which Parliament upholds on behalf of the citizens.

“It has come to my attention that some accounting officers are not honouring invitations to appear before committees of Parliament,” Speaker Oboth stated during a plenary session. He stressed that this is not a matter of choice but a fundamental obligation.

“I would like to remind all accounting officers that it is their constitutional obligation to be accountable to the citizens of this country through Parliament, where they are represented. I therefore beseech them to appear whenever summoned,” he added, urging compliance.

The Speaker’s remarks follow a specific instance where the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) faced difficulties in its investigation into alleged mismanagement at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). The inquiry was hampered by the absence of the UCAA Director General and Accounting Officer, Fred K. Bamwesigye.

Speaker Oboth underscored that attending committee meetings is not merely a courtesy but a critical component of the accountability chain ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and taxpayers’ money is safeguarded.

This directive serves as a clear message to all public officials responsible for managing government resources that cooperation with parliamentary oversight is paramount.

Source: Parliament of Uganda