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Charles Odongtho retweeted
Building bilateral partnerships that last beyond a single meeting requires House-to-House friendships in the form of Parliamentary Diplomacy.
I have held several meetings on the sidelines of the just concluded 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which included two important partners – the Russian State Duma and the Thailand House of Representatives delegations.
While meeting the delegation from Russia early this week, in New Delhi, we exchanged invitations to visit Kampala and Moscow.
The meetings will help our parliamentarians and staff to learn from the experiences of both countries. The Duma will set up a group of deputies dedicated to relations with Uganda. Russia supplies most of the wheat we import, and I want to see more Ugandan coffee reach Russian consumers.
With Speaker Sophon Saram of Thailand’s House of Representatives, I exchanged gifts in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.
Uganda and Thailand are both BRICS partner countries, yet our trade remains small. In 2025, Uganda sold goods worth $383,530 to Thailand and bought goods worth $27.25 million. A parliamentary friendship group between our two Houses will help close that gap.
Our delegation, including Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, showed both partners that Government and Opposition stand together on matters of national interest for Uganda.
#BRICSPF2026 #BRICSIndia2026 #Uganda #Russia #Thailand
Charles Odongtho retweeted
Dear Fellow Citizens,
I arrived in New Delhi today for the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which runs from 26 to 27 October under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”
I am joined by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi (Nakawa West), Hon. Betty Nakisita Mpongo (Namutumba District), Hon. Sowedi Ismail Mulemya (Busia Municipality) and Hon. Annet Katusiime Mugisha (Bushenyi District). Government and Opposition are here together for Uganda’s national interest.
As a BRICS partner country, our delegation will contribute to discussions on building strong institutions, how to ensure sustainable development and a fairer global governance, digital innovation and human-centred artificial intelligence.
This all because we have placed our people at the centre of the legislative agenda of the 12th Parliament.
#BRICSPF2026 #BRICSIndia2026 #BRICS2026
Charles Odongtho retweeted
The Speaker @ObothOboth today received the Inspectorate of Government’s 55th Bi-Annual Performance Report (January - June 2026) from the IGG, Hon. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, and her team. He said coming to Parliament with the whole team was unprecedented and thanked them sincerely.
Charles Odongtho retweeted
Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth has cautioned that climate change is causing serious economic damage in Uganda and called on leaders to move from talk to measurable action.
Speaking at the 3rd CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting on Green Economy and Environmental Sustainability, he said environmental shocks are wiping out livelihoods and infrastructure. He pledged Parliament’s support for laws, budgets and oversight to drive strong climate action.
@ObothOboth
Charles Odongtho retweeted
Speaker @ObothOboth has warned that climate change is inflicting aggressive and economically crippling damage across Uganda, urging leaders to stop trading statistics in boardrooms and deliver measurable action.
Charles Odongtho retweeted
This afternoon in my communication to the House, I welcomed Members and reported on our recent Inter-Parliamentary Union engagements in Arusha, Tanzania.
Our hosts received us warmly in the true East African spirit. I congratulated Hon. @EvelyneNinsiim1 on her appointment to the IPU High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, and Hon. Juliet Achayo Lodou on her appointment to the Committee on Peace and International Security.
Our participation also included the EAC Speakers’ Bureau meeting, where we discussed preparations for the December EAC Parliamentary Games. Uganda has a strong sporting reputation, and I urged our teams to prepare well.
The House then adopted the report of the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, presented by MP Patrick Aeku, on human-wildlife conflicts.
Key recommendations include a dedicated ring-fenced HWC Mitigation and Compensation Fund, increased budgets and equipment for the HWC Division including phased electric fencing, a national digital management system within 12 months, an inter-ministerial coordination committee, integration of HWC into land-use plans, stronger community participation, and accelerated review of the Wildlife Act. Prevention must come first, with fair and timely compensation as a safety net.
After a spirited debate, the report was adopted. I thank the 49 Members who contributed—time was limited—and the Committee leadership and members. The 12th Parliament has a distinctive breed of committees producing unique work.
The Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, a Private Member’s Bill by Hon. Bukenya Michael Iga (Bukuya County), was also tabled and the member granted for leave of parliament to present it.
Patient safety and quality healthcare remain central to our people-centred legislation.
Charles Odongtho retweeted
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On Saturday, 26 September, I had the honour of representing H.E. the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, as chief guest at the Oak Jubilee celebrations marking 80 years of Mushanga Catholic Parish in Sheema District.
It was my first visit to Greater Bushenyi since becoming Speaker, and I thank the people of Mushanga for their warm welcome.
I conveyed the Vice President's congratulations to the Archdiocese of Mbarara and the Christians of Mushanga Parish. In her message, she described the Church as a key partner in national development, with a long record in education, healthcare, social welfare, peacebuilding and moral formation.
She saluted the role of the churches in many communities where they set up schools and health facilities before government services arrived. She also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to raising household incomes and creating wealth and jobs.
Charles Odongtho retweeted
On behalf of the 12th Parliament of Uganda, I have joined the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) currently under way in Arusha, Tanzania.
At this historic assembly, I am accompanied by a delegation of Members of Parliament, in furtherance of our mission to strengthen the Inter-Parliamentary Union and multilateral parliamentary diplomacy.
The Assembly is hosted by the National Assembly of Tanzania and runs from 5th to 9th October 2026 at the Arusha International Conference Centre in Arusha, United Republic of #Tanzania.
The Assembly has brought together hundreds of lawmakers from around the world for a week of high-level parliamentary diplomacy, focused on enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all... 1/4
#IPU153 #OpenParliamentUG
Charles Odongtho retweeted
Let me be clear about what we are pursuing. We are not asking for the unification of East Africa. Unity is when people agree to become one. Integration is when people agree to participate in common interests while keeping their unique identities. This can be done. The defence sector has already shown the way. It is ahead of everybody else. I reassured the meeting that the Parliament of Uganda will fully participate in the EALA Games, as we always have. We thank all who came to compete in Uganda. Dr. Wetang'ula reminded me of a fascinating story: we went to Mombasa and beat Kenya, and Kenya came to Uganda and took its revenge. That is what the Games are about! This time, everything is up for grabs. As Uganda, we are excited, and we shall be in Arusha to bring the trophy home! #EALA #EACIntegration #12thParliament
Charles Odongtho retweeted
This was my very first Bureau meeting. I thought I was the brand-new baby in the room until I met my colleague, the Speaker from Somalia. He is two months old in office; I am three and a half months. So, we were both learning from the seniors who have walked this path longer. I congratulated him and privately asked, "What has become of us?" We used to come to Arusha on matters of defence, as we both served as ministers of defence. It might send the wrong signal that to become Speaker, you must first be a defence minister! But it means we go a long way back. We know each other deeply, and we bring to this Bureau a wealth of knowledge on the defence and security dimensions of our Community, a sector that is already well integrated. I also met the EALA MPs from Uganda and we discussed a number of issues pertinent to their work in Arusha. 3/
Charles Odongtho retweeted
I told my colleagues: we did not choose to be East Africans; East Africa chose us. Echoing my senior brother, Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang'ula, Speaker of Kenya's National Assembly, I said the role of our national parliaments in shaping the vision of our countries and the region cannot be overemphasised. I am excited by the commitment of the Partner States that brought us together in Arusha. 2/
Charles Odongtho retweeted
I have successfully concluded a working visit to Arusha, Tanzania, where I joined my fellow Speakers of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States to discuss issues common to our parliaments.
I was warmly received by colleagues of the EALA Uganda Chapter for the 21st EAC Bureau of Speakers Meeting. I thank the Speaker of EALA for hosting us. At the Bureau, we deliberated on how our national parliaments can deepen regional integration. The meeting also streamlined preparations for the 16th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, to be hosted in Arusha later this year. 1/
Charles Odongtho retweeted
🕊️ Suicide is preventable. Silence is not.
Join @TPOUganda on 30 Sept, 7–8PM EAT for a national Tweet Chat: #ChangingTheNarrative.
Expert voices from Uganda & Kenya will unpack suicide prevention, challenge stigma & strengthen collaboration for mental health & human rights.
Charles Odongtho retweeted
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth has brokered a truce in the BoU–SACCO licensing stand off, bringing together the Bank of Uganda, cooperative leaders and the Ministries of Finance and Trade to chart a phased path towards compliance.
@ObothOboth
Charles Odongtho retweeted
At the meeting, SACCO leaders affirmed that they are not opposed to regulation, but called for a harmonised framework under one law, citing overlapping regulatory mandates. BoU maintained that its mandate remains in force and underscored the importance of compliance.
@ObothOboth
Charles Odongtho retweeted
A roadmap was agreed: large SACCOs will pick up licensing application forms within seven days as a sign of good faith, while those making genuine efforts towards submitting applications by 31 March 2027 will be given consideration.
@ObothOboth
Charles Odongtho retweeted
Speaker Oboth also directed MoFED to initiate an amendment bill to harmonise the legal framework and create a SACCO-specific regime. He further guided that the previously constituted taskforce be reinstated to follow up on the agreed roadmap.
@ObothOboth
@Parliament_Ug Speaker, Rt Hon @ObothOboth has held talks with the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, in a bid to forge closer ties between the two parliaments. The meeting, held today in London, forms part of Speaker Oboth's broader agenda to reset the systems, structures and operations of Parliament of Uganda, an institution whose administrative framework and practices were historically modelled on the House of Commons.
Since assuming office, Speaker Oboth has championed a programme aimed at restoring Parliament to what he describes as its original purpose, practices, and systems. In seeking out the House of Commons, Oboth pointed to the UK Parliament's long institutional history as a source of lessons and inspiration for the reforms currently under way in the Parliament of Uganda.
"This is about consolidating our efforts to reset, revive and rejuvenate the management and affairs of the Parliament of Uganda," Oboth said.
Beyond institutional reform, the visit is also pitched as an exercise in parliamentary diplomacy, intended to deepen a relationship between the two parliaments that stretches back decades.
Oboth said the goal is to build mutual benefit through staff and member exchanges, attachments and benchmarking programmes between the two institutions.
He calls for an inter-parliamentary network that could support bilateral interests spanning education, trade and mining, areas he said hold significant potential for cooperation between Uganda and the UK.
"Such parliamentary relations should be strengthened to a level that brings the two parliaments and the two nations closer in jointly pursuing shared interests," Oboth said.
Speaker Hoyle congratulated Oboth on his elevation to the third office of the land, describing him as visionary and praised his approach to parliamentary leadership. He confirmed that the UK Parliament is willing to support and help drive inter-parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries going forward.
Hoyle also framed the engagement within a wider Commonwealth context, saying such diplomacy should serve as a vehicle to preserve and strengthen the Commonwealth family.
He expressed hope that the process could eventually help bring African nations together as a unified bloc within the Commonwealth, pursuing a shared agenda.
The meeting is expected to be the first of several steps toward a formal cooperation framework between the two parliaments, with officials on both sides signalling openness to further exchanges in the areas of governance, trade and education.
Speaker of @Parliament_Ug, @ObothOboth is attending the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Cape Town,SA. Hosted by the SA Parliament and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) SA Branch, the conference brings over 800 MPs,Speakers,and governance experts….
The theme of the Conference, running from 13th to 19th September 2026, is "Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership."
Rt. Hon Oboth is accompanied by the Ugandan CPA delegation including Hon. Emely Kugonza (Buyanja East), Hon. Naome Kabasharira (Rushenyi County), Hon. Otim Benard (Maruzi North County), Hon. Fortunate Rose Nantongo (Kyotera Woman MP), Hon. Silas Aogon (Kumi Municipality) and Hon. Adrine Katusiime (Sheema Woman MP).
The team is also joined by
Ugandan’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador @AmoruPaul.