Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth and his battalion of newly elected Members of Parliament have assumed office with promises of accountable, transparent and corruption-free leadership.
As is often the case at the beginning of every parliamentary term, Ugandans have been presented with fresh pledges, renewed optimism and assurances of better governance. Yet beyond the speeches and ceremony lies a more important question: will the 12th Parliament demonstrate that it exists primarily to serve the people of Uganda?
For many citizens, Parliament has often appeared distant from their daily realities. While political debates dominate headlines in Kampala, ordinary Ugandans continue to grapple with challenges that demand urgent attention. From traders in urban centres to farmers such as my good friend Hanyerere in the rice fields of Butaleja, citizens expect a Parliament that listens to their concerns and responds to their needs.
This challenge is not new. Since Independence in 1962, Uganda’s constitutional and political journey has been marked by a recurring struggle between legislative independence and executive dominance. In the early years of independence, Parliament played a significant role in political debate, representation and accountability. Over time, however, a series of political crises altered the balance of power. The 1966 constitutional crisis marked a defining turning point. The suspension of the Constitution and the subsequent concentration of power in the Executive fundamentally weakened institutional checks and balances. Parliament increasingly found itself overshadowed by a powerful Executive, while periods of instability and authoritarian rule further eroded the culture of representative governance.
Recognising these historical weaknesses, the framers of the 1995 Constitution sought to rebuild Uganda’s democratic institutions. They deliberately established a system founded on the separation of powers, assigning Parliament three key responsibilities: legislation, representation and oversight of the Executive. These functions were intended to ensure that government remained accountable to the people.
However, questions have persisted over the past three decades regarding Parliament’s willingness and ability to exercise its constitutional mandate independently. Ugandans have witnessed incidents that raised concerns about the autonomy of the institution, including the deployment of security operatives within parliamentary premises. Whether such perceptions are entirely justified is ultimately secondary. Public trust depends not only on what Parliament does, but also on whether citizens believe it acts independently and in their best interests.
To its credit, Parliament has on several occasions demonstrated the courage and effectiveness envisioned by the Constitution. Parliamentary committees have exposed corruption, uncovered misuse of public funds and demanded accountability from public officials. These moments serve as important reminders that Parliament can be a powerful guardian of the public interest when it fully embraces its mandate.
The 12th Parliament assumes office at a time when many Ugandans are asking difficult questions about governance, service delivery and economic opportunity. The issues confronting the country are neither abstract nor partisan. The rising cost of living continues to strain household incomes. Youth unemployment remains a major concern despite Uganda’s youthful population. Public health facilities face shortages of medicines, equipment and personnel. Teachers, health workers and other public servants continue to raise concerns about remuneration and working conditions.
The legacy of the 12th Parliament will not be determined by the number of Bills passed or motions adopted. Rather, it will be measured by whether Ugandans experience tangible improvements in their lives. A Parliament that asks difficult questions is not undermining government. It is strengthening it. The challenge before the 12th Parliament is therefore to prove that it exists to serve the people of Uganda.