Former Bugweri County Member of Parliament Abdul Katuntu has urged Members of the 12th Parliament to maintain Parliament's independence while working constructively with the Executive, saying effective governance depends on balancing cooperation with robust oversight.
Addressing legislators during the ongoing induction seminar at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala on Tuesday, Katuntu said Uganda's principle of separation of powers requires balanced interaction between the arms of government rather than a rigid division of responsibilities.
“Parliament works with the Executive but retains independence to hold it accountable,” he said.
Katuntu said Parliament's effectiveness depends on its ability to "collaborate without capitulating and oversee without obstructing," urging legislators to work with the Executive while safeguarding Parliament's constitutional oversight role.
“Parliament must stay firm and balanced,” he said.
He warned that a weak Parliament creates room for executive overreach, while constant confrontation between Parliament and the Executive can paralyse governance and hinder service delivery.
According to Katuntu, Parliament's responsibility is to strike the right balance by cooperating with the Executive where necessary while remaining independent enough to hold government accountable.
During his presentation, Katuntu reflected on key moments in Uganda's constitutional and political history where the balance of power between Parliament and the Executive came under scrutiny.
He cited the removal of presidential term limits in 2005, the removal of the presidential age limit in 2017, the Male Mabirizi v Attorney General case in 2018, and the debate surrounding the 2025 UPDF Amendment Bill as significant milestones that tested Parliament's independence.
He also pointed to recurring challenges that continue to affect Parliament's ability to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate, including executive influence, the presence of the military during parliamentary proceedings, and the dominance of party caucuses in decision-making.
Katuntu urged Members of the 12th Parliament to uphold the institution's independence while maintaining constructive engagement with the Executive, saying Parliament's credibility depends on remaining accountable, balanced and firm in executing its legislative, representative and oversight responsibilities.
The five-day induction programme at Speke Resort Munyonyo is equipping new and returning MPs with knowledge on parliamentary procedure, committee operations, lawmaking and oversight ahead of the commencement of the 12th Parliament's full legislative business.
