Parliament is called upon to provide more platforms for the public to take part legislative and accountability processes that are carried out by Members of Parliament.
According to Makerere University Law Professor, Kabumba
Busingye, Parliament is a reflection of the society which calls for the input
of the persons who vote and send legislators to represent them.
“If you get a Ugandan on the street and ask them if they
know the roles of a Member of Parliament, very few of them will mention
debating and passing bills. They will say an MP is supposed to provide for
their welfare, which is not the case,” Dr. Busingye said.
He added that the path to democratisation would be difficult
owing to the fact that society has its own conceptions of how legislators do
their representative role, which is majorly misconstrued.
Dr. Busingye made the remarks at a Stakeholders Debate on Wednesday, 22 January 2020. The debate is part of the Parliament Week activities.
Irene Ikomu, a lawyer involved in advocating for good
governance and democracy in Uganda lauded Parliament for taking itself closer
to the public especially through the newly launched bill tracking mobile
application and called for more involvement.
“A good place to start in trying to understand how to
enhance participation of citizens is to ask what the public really need in
terms engagement and participation; and who does Parliament see as the
public,” Ikomu said.
She also suggested that journalists ought to get information
from complicated debates and break it down for citizens to understand.
The Government Spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo called on the
civil society to stop telling half-truths on democracy and legislation which
misleads the public.
“Government always admits its problems and challenges
and comes to such dialogues to seek solutions,” Ofwono Opondo said.
Hon. Oboth Marksons Jacob (Ind, West Budama South) who
represented the Speaker said that such debates were healthy for resolutions to
be made.
“Does Parliament have an intention and if we do, does
the public appreciate that intention? This is the bridge being built so that
you come closer and appreciate what the institution does,” Oboth said.
The debate was also attended by Members of Parliament, FDC
Party President, Patrick Amuriat, community leaders, student leaders and
members of the public.
