Blogs
6th Parliament should be a useful reference for Speaker
The Sixth Parliament is widely remembered as a robust, “no-holds-barred” legislature that set a historic benchmark for rigorous debate and executive accountability. Chaired by James Wapakhabulo and later Francis Ayume, the House was marked by openness, independence and strong oversight.
Sarah Nanteza.
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
_______________
OPINION
By Sarah Nanteza
By examining the successes and decisions of the Sixth Parliament, I strongly believe Speaker Jacob Oboth can identify effective strategies that resonate with people today as he takes charge of the 12th Parliament. Adopting similar practices will boost productivity and build trust with constituents.
It is crucial to focus on innovative policy-making that addresses the issues of ordinary people, Omuntu wa wansi. These issues include economic recovery, healthcare and education, as well as health reforms essential to the welfare of the average Ugandan citizen.
The Sixth Parliament is widely remembered as a robust, “no-holds-barred” legislature that set a historic benchmark for rigorous debate and executive accountability. Chaired by James Wapakhabulo and later Francis Ayume, the House was marked by openness, independence and strong oversight.
The Sixth Parliament protected its independence while enacting important constitutional, financial and administrative reforms, offering a strong model for contemporary lawmakers to emulate. Its achievements underscore the significant role a legislature can play in shaping a nation’s trajectory through effective governance.
Despite being dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) under the one-party “Movement System,” MPs aggressively used parliamentary powers to address pressing issues. The House made history by censuring powerful cabinet ministers. The willingness to confront those in authority over corruption and conflicts of interest set a precedent that future parliaments should aspire to follow. This environment of scrutiny ensured that ministers were held accountable for their actions and decisions, fostering a culture of integrity within the public service.
The legislature debated and passed laws central to the post Constituent Assembly period, which were vital for navigating the complexities of a transitioning political landscape. Furthermore, it initiated major investigations into the privatisation of state enterprises and parastatals, such as Uganda Airlines, which were crucial steps in holding those in power to account and ensuring that public resources were managed effectively. This proactive stance in legislation and oversight laid a foundation for responsible governance that the 12th Parliament would do well to emulate.
Indeed, the debate in Uganda’s Sixth Parliament is widely regarded as a high point in the country’s legislative history, distinguished by its independence, intellectual rigour and remarkable fearlessness. The Sixth Parliament is often praised for being less corrupt and more willing to limit government power than later parliaments, offering a powerful reminder of the possibilities inherent in a dedicated legislative body committed to its principles.
The Sixth Parliament is widely remembered as a robust, “no-holds-barred” legislature that set a historic benchmark for rigorous debate and executive accountability. Chaired by James Wapakhabulo and later Francis Ayume, the House was marked by openness, independence and strong oversight.
The Sixth Parliament protected its independence while enacting important constitutional, financial and administrative reforms, offering a strong model for contemporary lawmakers to emulate. Its achievements underscore the significant role a legislature can play in shaping a nation’s trajectory through effective governance.
Despite being dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) under the one-party “Movement System,” MPs aggressively used parliamentary powers to address pressing issues. The House made history by censuring powerful cabinet ministers. The willingness to confront those in authority over corruption and conflicts of interest set a precedent that future parliaments should aspire to follow. This environment of scrutiny ensured that ministers were held accountable for their actions and decisions, fostering a culture of integrity within the public service.
The legislature debated and passed laws central to the post Constituent Assembly period, which were vital for navigating the complexities of a transitioning political landscape. Furthermore, it initiated major investigations into the privatisation of state enterprises and parastatals, such as Uganda Airlines, which were crucial steps in holding those in power to account and ensuring that public resources were managed effectively. This proactive stance in legislation and oversight laid a foundation for responsible governance that the 12th Parliament would do well to emulate.
Indeed, the debate in Uganda’s Sixth Parliament is widely regarded as a high point in the country’s legislative history, distinguished by its independence, intellectual rigour and remarkable fearlessness. The Sixth Parliament is often praised for being less corrupt and more willing to limit government power than later parliaments, offering a powerful reminder of the possibilities inherent in a dedicated legislative body committed to its principles.
Wapakhabulo actively mentored younger and newer MPs, fostering a culture of rigorous research, principled debate, and bipartisanship that elevated the quality of discussions. He cultivated a house where competence and logical reasoning were valued more than strict party loyalty.
The quality of the debate was remarkably high, characterised by well-researched arguments that frequently put the executive on the defensive. This intellectual engagement ensured that critical issues received the thorough examination they deserved, allowing legislators to make informed decisions aligned with their constituents’ interests.
Speaker, I believe that if you strive to do it the Wapakhabulo way, actively mentoring younger and newer MPs and fostering a culture of rigorous research and principled debate, you will have figures like Medi Kaggwa (RIP), Elly Karuhanga, Jaberi Bidandi Sali, Emmanuel Pinto (RIP), Benedict Mutyaba, Francis Babu and Guma Gumisiriza, among others.
These figures made the plenary engaging and meaningful. This is what we want to see in the 12th Parliament — a commitment to eloquent debate and a relentless pursuit of policies that uplift the ordinary Ugandan citizen. Congratulations on your election as the Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The writer works with the Uganda Media Centre
The quality of the debate was remarkably high, characterised by well-researched arguments that frequently put the executive on the defensive. This intellectual engagement ensured that critical issues received the thorough examination they deserved, allowing legislators to make informed decisions aligned with their constituents’ interests.
Speaker, I believe that if you strive to do it the Wapakhabulo way, actively mentoring younger and newer MPs and fostering a culture of rigorous research and principled debate, you will have figures like Medi Kaggwa (RIP), Elly Karuhanga, Jaberi Bidandi Sali, Emmanuel Pinto (RIP), Benedict Mutyaba, Francis Babu and Guma Gumisiriza, among others.
These figures made the plenary engaging and meaningful. This is what we want to see in the 12th Parliament — a commitment to eloquent debate and a relentless pursuit of policies that uplift the ordinary Ugandan citizen. Congratulations on your election as the Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
The writer works with the Uganda Media Centre