CSOs Urge New Parliament to Prioritize Citizens Over Politics

As Uganda’s 12th Parliament prepares for its swearing-in ceremony, civil society groups are urging lawmakers to shift their focus from partisan politics to the pressing needs of the citizens.

The upcoming parliamentary session, which begins this week, follows the January general elections. Civil society leaders emphasize the need for the new Parliament to demonstrate a commitment to public welfare.

Andrew Mafundo of Citizen Concern Africa highlighted the critical need for improved utilization of public resources and the creation of more job opportunities for Uganda’s large youth population. He stressed that elected officials should act independently of the executive and ruling party to ensure legislation serves the national interest, thereby fostering a stable and democratic future for the nation.

The Africa Green Health Network’s Executive Director, Robert Turyakira, is advocating for environmental and climate change issues to be a central focus. He called for the integration of climate-smart technologies and solutions into government policies, aligning with Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Turyakira pointed out that despite having a relevant committee, the previous Parliament was largely silent on these urgent matters, emphasizing the need for Uganda to build resilience and attract green investments.

Furthermore, Fatia Kiyange from the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development is pushing for increased domestic funding for the health sector. She urged Parliament to uphold the commitment to allocating 15% of the national budget to health, as per the Abuja Declaration. Kiyange also stressed the importance of passing and implementing a national health insurance law to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all Ugandans.

These civil society voices collectively call for a Parliament that is responsive to the populace, championing issues of economic development, environmental sustainability, and public health.