Uganda's Parliament Seeks Enhanced UK Collaboration for Reforms

Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, recently met with the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, in London. The meeting aimed to strengthen the relationship between the two legislative bodies and explore avenues for reform within Uganda’s Parliament.

Oboth highlighted that Uganda’s parliamentary systems were historically influenced by the UK’s House of Commons. He expressed his commitment to restoring the Ugandan Parliament to its foundational principles, practices, and systems since assuming office in May 2026. “This is about consolidating our efforts to reset, revive and rejuvenate the management and affairs of the Parliament of Uganda,” Oboth stated.

The discussions also touched upon parliamentary diplomacy, with the goal of deepening a relationship that spans several decades. Oboth emphasized the potential for mutual benefit through staff and member exchanges, attachments, and benchmarking programs. He also proposed establishing an inter-parliamentary network to support bilateral interests in sectors like education, trade, and mining.

Speaker Hoyle commended Oboth’s vision for parliamentary leadership and affirmed the UK Parliament’s readiness to support inter-parliamentary diplomacy. He viewed the engagement within the broader Commonwealth context, suggesting it could serve to strengthen the Commonwealth family and potentially unite African nations within the bloc.

This meeting is seen as a precursor to a formal cooperation framework between the two parliaments, promising future collaborations to enhance legislative practices in Uganda.

Source: Parliament of Uganda