Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth has called on Members of the 12th Parliament to uphold accountability, commit to parliamentary duties, and deliver legislation that responds to the expectations of Ugandans.
Addressing legislators at the ongoing induction seminar at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala on Tuesday, Oboth-Oboth said citizens have placed high expectations on the new Parliament and urged MPs to use the induction to prepare for effective legislative, representative, and oversight work.
“The citizens of Uganda has huge expectations of the 12th Parliament,” he said.
He explained that the induction was designed to equip both new and returning MPs with a deeper understanding of parliamentary practice, committee operations, and the functioning of government in order to improve service delivery.
“I urge you to use your time here well, and also in the committees, by first and foremost being present and committed to parliamentary work,” he told the legislators.
Oboth-Oboth said parliamentary committees will play a central role in translating the induction training into practical oversight of government programmes, adding that the Parliamentary Commission will continue to provide regular training and retooling to improve legislative efficiency.
He outlined a seven-point strategic vision for the 12th Parliament, which includes zero tolerance to corruption, strengthened accountability and compliance with public finance management laws, evidence-based legislation, people-centred lawmaking, results-based budgeting, an open Parliament, and proactive oversight of government programmes.
The Speaker stressed that accountability must begin with legislators themselves, warning against misconduct linked to allowances and official trips.
“Don’t ask for payment for trips you have not undertaken, don’t sign in the book of attendance when you did not attend the committee sitting, don’t get money for field trips where you have not been,” he said.
He emphasized that committees will remain central in ensuring MPs apply the knowledge gained during induction while strengthening scrutiny of government programmes.
The five-day induction at Munyonyo is equipping new and returning MPs with knowledge on parliamentary procedure, committee work, and legislative oversight ahead of full parliamentary business in the 12th Parliament.
