Legal Committee Chair Admits "Betrayal" of Ugandans in 11th Parliament

John Teira, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, has made a stark admission regarding the committee’s performance during the 11th Parliament. He stated that the committee “betrayed Ugandans” by failing to uphold the core principles that guide parliamentary operations, an oversight that he believes has damaged the institution’s reputation.

Teira shared these candid remarks during a recent two-day retreat for committee members held in Munyonyo. He stressed the importance of the current 12th Parliament as an opportunity to rebuild public trust in the committee’s work.

“During the 11th Parliament, this Committee betrayed Ugandans. We failed to adhere to the standard principles that guide the operations of Parliament and that tainted the image of Parliament as an institution,” Teira declared.

He elaborated that the committee was frequently at the center of controversial legislative matters and reports, some of which faced significant criticism for allegedly bypassing established due process. “We were accused of bias, of not following the Constitution. That is why the public lost confidence in us. This 12th Parliament gives us a chance to correct that history,” he added.

Teira urged the members to utilize the induction retreat to reaffirm their commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and fairness in fulfilling their duties. “Let us use this opportunity to exonerate ourselves. Every decision, every report, every Bill that comes before this Committee must be tested against the provisions of the Constitution,” he emphasized.

The retreat is designed to induct members into their mandate and foster collaboration as they prepare for the responsibilities of the 12th Parliament. Facilitators are set to guide participants on parliamentary procedures, handling petitions, human rights standards, and managing conflicts of interest.

Source: Nile Post