Oboth urges MPs to put duty above self, as members return from recess
“Service sometimes requires us to be where duty calls, even when it is not where we would rather be. I want to thank those members who stayed for committee work during the recess, despite the many demands from their constituencies. You chose duty at a time when there were many demands in your constituencies. That service reflects sacrifice in public service,” Speaker Oboth said.
In his address to MPs upon return from recess, Oboth commended members who remained at Parliament to attend to committee work and participate in training programmes instead of returning to their constituencies for the entire recess. (Credit: Maria Wamala)
KAMPALA - Speaker of Parliament Jacob Markson Oboth has urged Members of Parliament to put duty and public service above personal convenience, saying effective representation sometimes demands sacrifice and a willingness to serve wherever duty calls.
In his address to MPs upon return from recess, Oboth commended members who remained at Parliament to attend to committee work and participate in training programmes instead of returning to their constituencies for the entire recess.
The Speaker said the decision by some MPs to remain behind demonstrated the spirit of service expected of public officials.
“Service sometimes requires us to be where duty calls, even when it is not where we would rather be.
I want to thank those members who stayed for committee work during the recess, despite the many demands from their constituencies. You chose duty at a time when there were many demands in your constituencies. That service reflects sacrifice in public service,” he said.
While other members went for recess, several committees such as Commissions, State Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) and Public Accounts Committee remained behind conducting work.
The Speaker urged members to return to duty with renewed energy and purpose as Parliament resumes its work.
The recess, he added, should have provided MPs with an opportunity to reconnect with their constituencies, understand the concerns of their voters and prepare themselves for the business ahead.
Oboth also used his communication to Parliament to highlight the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy, saying Uganda's Parliament must continue to build relationships with legislatures in other countries.
He said that during the recess he participated in several engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between Parliament and other legislatures.
On September 17, Oboth met the Speaker of the United Kingdom House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, to discuss strengthening collaboration and engagement between the two Parliaments.
He also attended the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, where he held discussions with Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
According to Oboth, the engagements focused on deepening relations between the institutions and exploring areas of cooperation including research, education, climate change and capacity building.
The Speaker said international engagements should not merely be travel opportunities but should expose MPs to practices that can strengthen Parliament's capacity to legislate, conduct oversight and serve citizens.
Reacting to his communication, Jinja South Division East MP Paul Mwiru raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of Baba TV journalist Eria Jengo.
Mwiru told Parliament that Jengo was allegedly taken by security personnel from his workplace on September 10 and that his whereabouts remained unknown.
He alleged that Jengo had not been brought before court and had been held incommunicado.
Mwiru said Parliament should pay attention to what he described as the growing number of Ugandans allegedly being held by security agencies without being presented before courts.
“They have held him incommunicado to date,” Mwiru said.
Prime Minister Dr Chris Kiyonga asked Mwiru to provide details concerning the journalist so that appropriate action could be taken.