Parliamentary Committees to Receive Full Internal Funding Under New Speaker Initiative

Speaker Jacob Oboth has outlined a significant strategy to bolster the effectiveness and autonomy of Parliament’s oversight committees. The Parliamentary Commission has pledged to prioritize the full internal funding of these committees, a move intended to ensure their independence, boost institutional efficiency, and foster greater public confidence.

This initiative was a key discussion point during a recent meeting between Speaker Oboth and the leadership of the Leadership Code Tribunal, chaired by Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa. The engagement underscored the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in promoting transparency across public sectors.

“Our goal is to ensure our committees are fully equipped and seamlessly supported by the Parliamentary Commission,” Speaker Oboth stated, emphasizing that robust internal funding is crucial for maintaining the integrity of legislative work. He confirmed that Parliament’s expanded Shs1.2 trillion budget will be utilized to fully facilitate all committee operations, thereby ensuring they remain independent from the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) they are tasked with scrutinizing.

Furthermore, Speaker Oboth proposed a partnership with the Leadership Code Tribunal to provide proactive legal orientations and informational briefings for Members of Parliament. This educational resource aims to help lawmakers navigate the legal requirements of declaring income, assets, and liabilities, ensuring compliance with national standards.

In addition to supporting parliamentary committees, the Speaker also pledged to assist the Leadership Code Tribunal in achieving greater operational independence. He encouraged the tribunal to explore options for a permanent office space, potentially within the Ministry of Justice complex, and offered Parliament’s full support in advocating for such a solution, noting the significant commercial rent the tribunal currently incurs.

Dr. Karugonjo-Segawa expressed gratitude for Parliament’s support and reaffirmed the tribunal’s commitment to its mandate with integrity and impartiality. The Speaker’s commitment signifies a proactive approach to strengthening governance and supporting key institutions.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4481/speaker-oboth-commits-full-financial-support-committees