Parliament On the Spot Over Accountability Standoff With Opportunities Commission

The 11th Parliament, with a budget allocation of Shs680 billion, remains the only institution with limited transparency about its financial management, including details about its expenditures and staff salaries.

Political analysts have expressed strong support for the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in its ongoing stand-off with Uganda's Parliament, accusing the legislative body of bullying and politicking, despite being backed by an Act of Parliament.

Analysts argue that Parliament’s claims of autonomy and self-regulation should not shield it from scrutiny and accountability.

The 11th Parliament, with a budget allocation of Shs680 billion, remains the only institution in Uganda with limited transparency about its financial management, including details about its expenditures and staff salaries.

While Parliament defends its stance by citing its autonomy, analysts warn that the legislature may be misunderstanding its mandate and that autonomy does not equate to immunity from oversight.

Political analysts, including Mukunda and Opiyo, have raised concerns over Parliament's refusal to submit requested information, describing it as an act of politicking and intimidation.

Mukunda emphasizes that Parliament’s autonomy allows it to make independent decisions, but it does not absolve it from public scrutiny, particularly by legally established institutions like the EOC.

"Your autonomy does not shield you from accountability," Mukunda stated.

Opiyo also pointed out that Parliament’s role in oversight should be focused on ensuring proper execution of the budget by the executive, not on avoiding scrutiny by other bodies.

He argues that refusing to submit the requested information goes against the core values of transparency and accountability in governance.

Mukunda further stressed that Parliament’s argument that its budget is classified only raises suspicion about the potential for corruption.

"We are now more suspicious that you are promoting corruption," he added, emphasizing that such actions undermine the accountability efforts of previous administrations.

Both analysts agreed that the EOC’s independence must be strongly protected to ensure it can fulfill its role without interference.

Opiyo warned that allowing Parliament to deflect scrutiny would undermine the very purpose of creating the EOC and the accountability measures it was intended to enforce.

As the standoff continues, concerns grow about the transparency and integrity of Uganda’s political institutions.

The analysts’ call for greater accountability and transparency from Parliament reflects broader concerns about the health of democratic practices in the country.