Parliamentary Action Forum Okay

SIR— Some people in some circles have greeted the launching of the Parliamentary Action Forum (PAFO) with much skepticism and suspicion. But, in as much as it reportedly seeks to tackle to the issues that are pertinent to the severely weakened legislative function of Government, I think PAFO is quite a brilliant idea.Firstly, we all know that the public image of Parliament has been severely dented. It is the general public view that many of our legislators have lost focus and are just too money minded to fulfil their mandate. There is therefore need to restore this crucial credibility in Parliament.Secondly, there is this feeling in the populace that Parliament has lost its independence and is subject to too much manipulation and undue influence from the Executive. There is urgent need to take concerted action to reverse this unpopular trend, foster the assertiveness and independence of the Legislature and entrench the essential principles of separation of powers and checks and balances in Uganda’s politics.Thirdly, the Assembly is severely divided in the name of caucuses and is also sharply polarised along the Movement versus multi-party divide. It is important that MPs form a neutral forum for discussion and consensus building. Fourthly, the wider public is not generally well informed about the activities, functions and mode of work of Parliament. Since PAFO membership is open to the public, I think it is an opportunity, not only for educating the people about the same but also for the emergence and consolidation of an effective and well informed civil society.Lastly, one can only hope that PAFO will collaborate with the Executive, institutions and other stakeholders to entrench in the country the noble principles of accountability, transparency, good governance, political stability, good international relations, rule of law, and efficient mechanisms for the delivery of services to the masses. Peter NyanziMakerere University