In a sweeping move aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight, Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth has cut the budget of the Office of the Speaker from more than Shs24 billion to Shs3.9 billion, redirecting the bulk of the funds to parliamentary committees. The announcement was made during celebrations marking the reappointment of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
The Speaker said the decision is part of a wider effort to restore Parliament’s core mandate and ensure committees have the resources needed to carry out investigations, monitor government programs, and hold public institutions accountable. He described the shift as a return to the institution’s original mission.
According to Oboth-Oboth, committees will now be required to prepare detailed work plans and budgets before receiving funding. The new arrangement is expected to improve efficiency while enabling lawmakers to conduct oversight activities without unnecessary financial obstacles.
He argued that one of the biggest challenges facing Parliament has been the lack of adequate funding for committee work. This, he said, has left some legislators vulnerable to influence from ministries, departments, and agencies that are supposed to be subjected to independent scrutiny.
Oboth-Oboth warned that seeking financial support from institutions under investigation weakens accountability and compromises the integrity of Parliament. He noted that officials accused of mismanaging public resources often exploit such situations by offering small incentives that can influence the actions of lawmakers.
The Speaker stressed that making funds available directly to committees would reduce opportunities for corruption and ensure members can focus on their responsibilities without external pressure. He maintained that proper facilitation is essential if Parliament is to perform its watchdog role effectively.
He also questioned the prolonged delay in constructing Parliament’s new chamber, expressing concern that the project has stretched for more than a decade despite receiving annual budget allocations. Oboth-Oboth suggested that inefficiency and demands for kickbacks may be contributing factors behind the slow progress.
The budget reallocation signals a significant shift in parliamentary spending priorities. By transferring more than Shs20 billion from the Speaker’s office to committees, Oboth-Oboth has positioned oversight and accountability at the center of Parliament’s agenda, a move likely to win support from lawmakers while sparking fresh debate over public expenditure within the institution.
