The Parliament is the national legislative body where elected and appointed members from all over the country meet to draft, debate and pass laws/legislation through which the institutions of government endeavour to guide the country’ s progress.
It derives its roles/functions from Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The establishment, composition and functions of Parliament are derived from the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Article 77 (1) states that “there shall be a Parliament of Uganda.” Parliament conducts its business in both plenary and committees.
The general functions include;
- To discuss and make recommendations on all Bills laid before Parliament;
- To initiate any Bill within their respective areas of competence;
- To assess and evaluate activities of government and other bodies;
- To carry out relevant research in their respective fields; and
- To report to Parliament on their functions
This is money approved by Parliament to cater for the activities and programmes of government ministries and departments until the expiry of four months from the beginning of the financial year or the coming into operation of the Appropriation Act.
With the passing of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, Parliament approves the National Budget before the end of the financial year, and hence does not consider and approve the Vote on Account any more.
The Mace is an ornamental club made of brass carried by the Sergeant-At-Arms, to whom is assigned the duty of attending to the Speaker of Parliament.
It symbolises authority, which the State has vested in the Speaker.
The Mace is an important symbol of authority bestowed on parliaments.
Without the Mace in position, Parliament cannot sit as it would have no power to debate and pass laws for order, development and good governance of the country.
This is a Member of Parliament appointed by government or the Opposition side or political party from among its members in Parliament to ensure discipline, due attendance, participation in proceedings and voting in Parliament by its members.
Parliament has government, opposition and party whips.
Whips have also been mandated to designate members to serve on committees.
The term "Stranger" is given to all persons other than the President of Uganda, Vice President, Speaker, ministers and ministers of state, MPs and staff of the House/Parliament.
Non MPs can visit Parliament for a tour of the Building or to attend plenary or committee sessions.
Admission to Parliament is free to the public, institutions, tourists and other individuals and groups.
Anyone wishing to visit Parliament ordinarily/formally presents a written request to the Clerk to Parliament who will delegate the Department of Communication and Public Affairs, which will advise them on the best time to visit and other requirements needed.
Visitors to Parliament should ensure that they are dressed decently.
Section 5 of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act says, “No stranger shall be entitled as a right to enter or to remain within the precincts of the Assembly.” The same Act prohibits strangers from getting into the public galleries with a briefcase, camera, tape recorder, transistor radio, a mobile telephone or any electronic device. Firearms must also be surrendered to security officers at the entrance. In addition, while in the galleries, strangers are not permitted to smoke, read a book or newspaper.
Committees of Parliament ordinarily sit starting at 10.00a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The sittings will have to be adjourned to allow members attend the plenary that sits starting at 2.00p.m. on those days.
However, some committees may schedule meetings on Monday and Friday as well. In addition, committees may schedule field trips, which could include sittings outside their normal schedules and may include weekends.
Plenary ordinarily sits in the Parliament Chamber at Parliament House and in other places/venue as the Speaker may designate.
The Plenary ordinarily sits starting at 2.00p.m. to 7.00p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Parliament Rules however, permit the Speaker to adjust the time and days of sitting of the House beyond what is ordinarily allowed especially considering the business before it.
The foundation stone for the Parliament Building was laid on 18 December 1956, by the then Governor of Uganda, Sir Andrew Cohen.
Construction of the main building commenced in 1958. On 05 October 1962 the then Prime Minster, Dr Apollo Milton Obote, laid the foundation stone for the Independence Arch, at the entrance to the Parliament Building.