Parliament starts training institute

By Joyce Namutebi   

AS Uganda prepares to commemorate 50 years of independence on October 9, Parliament is set to launch a fully -equipped training institute with video-conferencing facilities and other facilities to help build capacity of members and staff.

Launching of the Institute of Parliamentary Studies is one of the activities organised for the Parliament week to commemorate independence. The week starts from September 24 to 28.

“We shall be training mainly MPs, and staff on different aspects of Parliament work, Commissioner Chris Baryomunsi said yesterday. The capacity building institute, he said, is being financed by the Westminster Foundation and will be situated within Parliament.

There are a number of young MPs in the Ugandan Parliament who are in the House for the first time, the youngest who is yet to be sworn in being 19-year-old Proscovia Alengot, the new Usuk MP

The Parliament week, according to the programme that has been issued by the Public relations Office, starts with interdenominational prayers in the Parliament Conference Hall on September 24.

A charity walk led by Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga will be held on September 25 and the money raised will go towards conservation of the Uganda Cranes. Throughout the week, there will be blood donation at the CHOGM gardens.

A public lecture on the theme “Uganda at 50 years: Parliament’s Achievements, challenges and Prospects” will take place on September 27 at imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.

A magazine featuring former legislators and public servants will also be distributed.

Other activities include a netball match and a football match between Parliament and veteran sportsmen and women.

The week will end with Parliament giving awards to distinguished personalities in recognition of their contribution to Uganda’s legislative history, and a dinner dance.