The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has urged members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and NRM-leaning independents to uphold and defend the Constitution as the supreme law of Uganda.
Addressing legislators during a retreat at Kyankwanzi ahead of preparations for the 12th Parliament, Among emphasized that constitutionalism must remain the guiding principle in the execution of parliamentary duties.
“You will swear to uphold and respect the Constitution, and that is what you are meant to defend at all times,” she said, underscoring that the Constitution is the “alpha and omega” of all legal and governance matters in the country.
Among highlighted the importance of understanding the origins of Parliament to effectively execute its mandate. She traced the institution’s roots to the colonial Legislative Council (LegCo), established in 1921 by the British administration to advise the governor before its mandate was widened.
Among noted that today’s Parliament derives its authority from Article 77 of the Constitution, which provides for its establishment, functions, and tenure.
The Speaker outlined the key responsibilities of legislators, including lawmaking, approrpiation, representation, and oversight.
On legislation, she explained the process through which bills become law—beginning with the first reading, followed by committee scrutiny and public consultation, second reading, and detailed clause-by-clause consideration before final passage and presidential assent.
“When we legislate, we are either amending existing laws, repealing them, or enacting new ones,” she said.
Among reminded MPs of their role as representatives of the people, urging them to balance their presence between Parliament and their constituencies.
“You are the voice of the voiceless,” she said, stressing the importance of engaging citizens both in Parliament and at the grassroots level.
She also clarified Parliament’s role in the budget process, noting that while the Executive initiates the national budget, Parliament has the authority to scrutinize, appropriate, and approve public expenditure.
“We have powers to approve any expenditure, but the initiation of the budget lies with the Executive,” Among said.
On oversight, she called on legislators to ensure accountability for public resources, emphasizing the need to track government spending and demand value for money.
“You must follow the money and ensure proper accountability for resources given out,” she added.
“As we prepare to usher you in the 12th parliament, I want to urge you to build upon the remarkable achievements by the 11th parliament ,especially in terms of legislation.”
The Kyankwanzi retreat is part of ongoing preparations for Uganda’s 12th Parliament for the ruling NRM party with a focus on equipping legislators with knowledge of their constitutional responsibilities and parliamentary procedures.