KAMPALA, Uganda
Members of newly constituted 12th Parliament have begun a three-day orientation programme aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively carry out their legislative, oversight, and representative responsibilities.
The programme officially commenced on Tuesday at Parliament’s South Parking Lot in Kampala, bringing together newly elected legislators from across the country as they prepare to embark on their five-year term in office.
According to Parliament, the orientation is a standard exercise conducted at the beginning of every parliamentary term to help Members of Parliament familiarize themselves with the institution’s procedures, culture, and operational systems.
The onboarding programme is designed to introduce MPs particularly first-time legislators to the workings of Parliament and their constitutional responsibilities.
Parliament said the initiative seeks to acquaint members with the institution’s culture, legislative framework, and organizational structure, while also helping them understand the systems and practices that govern parliamentary operations.
The training is expected to cover key areas including legislative procedures, committee work, parliamentary rules, ethics, budgeting processes, oversight functions, and engagement with constituents.
The orientation comes shortly after the swearing-in of members and the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, marking another important milestone in the formal establishment of the 12th Parliament.
Speaking at the opening session, Clerk to Parliament Hon. Adolf Mwesige urged legislators to take full advantage of the programme and actively participate in the training sessions.
Mwesige emphasized that understanding parliamentary procedures and institutional practices is essential for members to effectively execute their constitutional mandate.
He encouraged participants to engage keenly with facilitators and resource persons throughout the three-day exercise, noting that the knowledge gained would help them navigate the complexities of parliamentary work.
As Clerk to Parliament, Mwesige serves as the chief administrative and accounting officer of Parliament and is responsible for providing technical and procedural support to legislators.
Under Uganda’s Constitution, Members of Parliament are tasked with making laws, approving government expenditure, representing citizens, and holding the Executive accountable.
Parliamentary officials say the orientation programme is intended to ensure that members begin their term with a clear understanding of these responsibilities and the mechanisms available to perform them effectively.
The training is particularly important for first-time MPs, many of whom are entering Parliament for the first time following the 2026 General Election.
The orientation programme is one of the first major activities undertaken by the 12th Parliament following the election of its leadership. Once completed, attention is expected to shift to the formation of parliamentary committees, the allocation of office responsibilities, and the commencement of legislative business.
With hundreds of lawmakers beginning a new term, parliamentary authorities hope the exercise will foster professionalism, efficiency, and a deeper understanding of the institution’s role in Uganda’s democratic governance.
The three-day programme is expected to conclude later this week, after which Members of Parliament will begin engaging fully in the legislative agenda of Parliament.
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