Speaking at the opening of a five-day induction programme for Members of the 12th Parliament, Oboth-Oboth said Parliament had introduced measures to improve accountability and efficiency in committee operations.
“Committees have been given money that is enough to do their work comprehensively. The practice of MPs going abroad without the members who receive committee allowances, or sitting when there is no quorum, has stopped. There will be no more use of Parliament committees to seek money,” Oboth said.
Members of the 12th Parliament, together with Cabinet ministers, began the five-day orientation programme on Tuesday to familiarize themselves with the procedures, rules and operations of Parliament.
Oboth also urged the government to expedite the election of the remaining three Parliamentary Commissioners and the appointment of committee leadership to enable Parliament to execute its constitutional mandate effectively.
He said the 12th Parliament would place greater emphasis on integrity, evidence-based debate and respect for media freedom, calling on legislators to allow journalists to report on parliamentary proceedings without intimidation.
The Speaker further cautioned MPs against bribery and any attempts to receive public funds without performing their duties.
“I will not allow MPs to get money they have not worked for,” he said.
Oboth also revealed that he had reduced the budget allocated to his office and redirected the funds to parliamentary committees to ensure they have adequate resources to undertake oversight and legislative work without financial constraints.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who also addressed the legislators, called for cooperation between Parliament and the Executive in addressing the country's challenges.
“Work together to handle issues that affect people and I direct government ministers to attend all Parliament sittings,” Nabbanja said.