Uganda’s newly elected Members of Parliament have begun an intensive induction seminar at Speke Resort Munyonyo, with the country’s top leaders delivering a blunt message: restore public confidence in Parliament through integrity, accountability and service to the people.
The week-long orientation, which brings together legislators of the 12th Parliament, comes at a time when the institution is under unprecedented public scrutiny following a string of corruption scandals that have tarnished its image.
Opening the seminar, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth reminded MPs that the electorate did not send them to Parliament to pursue personal interests but to legislate, represent citizens and hold the Executive accountable. He urged legislators to uphold the highest ethical standards, warning that public trust can only be rebuilt through transparent leadership and responsible use of public resources.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja challenged the legislators to support government programmes through effective legislation and oversight, emphasizing that Parliament and the Executive must work together to improve service delivery and transform the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi equally urged MPs to rise above partisan politics and focus on defending the interests of citizens, saying Parliament’s credibility will ultimately be judged by the quality of laws it passes and the oversight it exercises.
Throughout the induction, Members are expected to receive training on legislative procedures, financial accountability, committee work, parliamentary ethics, constituency representation and the constitutional mandate of Parliament. Experts will also guide legislators on evidence-based lawmaking and effective oversight of government programmes.
The seminar, however, is taking place against the backdrop of growing public concern over corruption within Parliament.
In recent days, seven senior parliamentary officials were arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court over allegations of embezzling approximately Shs30 billion in public funds, a case that has intensified calls for sweeping reforms within the institution. The scandal has renewed debate about financial accountability and internal controls in Parliament.
The latest prosecution follows several years in which Parliament has faced criticism over allegations of abuse of public resources, controversial service awards, inflated expenditures and procurement irregularities—issues that have repeatedly placed the institution at the centre of national debate.
Political observers say the timing of the induction presents an opportunity for the new Parliament to chart a different course by prioritising transparency, fiscal discipline and people-centred legislation.
As the 12th Parliament settles into office, Ugandans will be watching closely to see whether the repeated calls for integrity made at Munyonyo will translate into concrete action or become yet another set of promises overshadowed by future
