Tayebwa Seeks Commonwealth Expertise to Strengthen Parliament

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has called for stronger cooperation between Uganda’s Parliament and other Commonwealth legislatures to improve the institution’s effectiveness, capacity and use of technology.

Tayebwa made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who was making her first visit to Uganda since taking office. She was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Adonia Ayebare.

Botchwey said she was in Uganda to learn how Parliament is fulfilling its accountability mandate and explore areas where the Commonwealth can support the country.

Tayebwa identified capacity building for Members of Parliament and staff, as well as digitisation of parliamentary processes, as key areas where such support is needed.

“We need capacity building of our Members of Parliament so that we can effectively debate critical issues. Also, digitisation is very important for an effective Parliament, and we would like to get support,” he said.

He also proposed exchange visits for Ugandan MPs and parliamentary staff to other Commonwealth legislatures to learn from their experience and adopt practices that could strengthen Parliament.

Botchwey pledged to work with Parliament on the areas raised by Tayebwa, saying the institution has an important role to play in Uganda’s democratisation, accountability and promotion of liberties—principles she described as central to the Commonwealth’s mission.

Making the Commonwealth relevant to young people

Botchwey said youth engagement is among her priorities, noting that young people make up a significant proportion of the populations of Commonwealth member states.

She said the organisation must find practical ways to become more relevant to ordinary citizens, particularly young people.

Discussions included promoting access to education, entrepreneurship and skills development, creating opportunities for dialogue among young people and supporting communities to adapt to climate change. 

Parliament's oversight role

Tayebwa also highlighted Parliament’s oversight work, saying the House is holding the Executive accountable through the participation of both ruling-party and opposition legislators.

He cited opposition MPs chairing accountability committees and being given opportunities on the floor to raise issues requiring government attention.

Other leaders who attended the meeting, praised the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth and Tayebwa, saying the 12th Parliament is fostering greater mutual respect and giving opposition legislators the space and resources to perform their duties.

The meeting highlighted areas in which Commonwealth cooperation could strengthen Uganda’s Parliament, particularly through professional exchanges, capacity building and digital transformation, while also reinforcing the role of Parliament in accountability and democratic governance.