Parliamentary Committees Face Budget Cuts Over Underperformance

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has issued a strong caution to parliamentary committees that are not meeting their statutory obligations. He announced that the allocation of operational funds will now be strictly performance-based, signaling a significant shift in how parliamentary resources are distributed.

During a plenary session on Wednesday, Mr. Tayebwa highlighted that committees failing to demonstrate tangible results and deliver on their mandates could face a reduction in their budgets. This directive aims to enhance accountability and ensure that public funds allocated to these committees are used effectively for their intended purposes.

As an example of the shortcomings, Mr. Tayebwa specifically pointed to the Committee on Climate Change. Despite receiving regular funding, this committee reportedly failed to present a single report throughout the entire term of the 11th Parliament. Such instances of underperformance are driving the new budgetary approach.

To enforce compliance, the parliamentary leadership plans to collaborate with political party chief whips. The goal is to ensure that legislators appointed to lead and serve on committees are committed to their roles and actively contribute to their oversight functions. This collaborative effort is expected to foster a more diligent and productive parliamentary committee system.

The new policy underscores a commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary oversight, ensuring that committees are active participants in the legislative process and fulfill their critical roles in scrutinizing government activities and policies. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/parliamentary-committees-face-budget-cut-over-poor-performance-5639750