Entebbe: The Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has issued a strong warning to Members of Parliament serving on public accounts committees, urging them to prioritize the safeguarding of public trust over engaging in political vendettas. His remarks came during the conclusion of a two-day induction for these committees at the Imperial Golf View Hotel.
According to African Press Organization, Oboth emphasized the importance of exercising their oversight duties with fairness, independence, professionalism, and timeliness. He stated that the true measure of their success should be seen in the improvement of public service delivery, rather than the sheer volume of reports or the number of witnesses called. Oboth further highlighted that delayed accountability significantly undermines the oversight role of Parliament and insisted that all findings should be based on solid evidence, free from any political bias.
Addressing the integrity expected from Parliament, Oboth called for high standards, noting how unresolved audit queries often lead to inadequate service delivery. "When the people of Uganda entrust us with the responsibility to oversee their resources, what exactly are they placing in our hands?... They are placing in our hands their trust," he remarked, underlining the critical role Parliament plays in managing public resources.
Public Accounts Committees are integral to Parliament's oversight function, tasked with scrutinizing government expenditure and audit reports to ensure that public funds are utilized as intended. Oboth's statements serve as a reminder of the committees' responsibility to maintain the public's confidence in governmental operations.