The Parliament of the Republic of Uganda is mandated under Article 79 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda to make laws on any matter “for the peace, order, development and good governance of Uganda.” The Parliament acknowledges the contribution and ability of the Ugandans in the Diaspora to contribute to development.
The Parliament of Uganda has been interfacing with Ugandans in the Diaspora through events like UNAA and UK Convention. Thus this interaction is essential to create a link and a sustainable communicational channel through which Ugandans in the Diaspora can get information about Parliament of Uganda, Uganda at large and how Parliament can be supportive to them.
In recognition of that, the Parliament of Uganda decided to introduce a Diaspora desk to coordinate views, reports, follow-up on investment, policy, legal and related issues of the Diaspora.
The rationale is to enhance effective participation of the public in the affairs of Parliament of Uganda, a number of initiatives have been put in place. These include the Parliamentary schools visit programs, the civic education sessions, Parliamentary Outreach Programs, public hearings sessions among others.
However, it was observed there was no clear forum or avenue through which Ugandans in the Diaspora could engage with the Parliament of Uganda on matters of development on a continuous basis.
This desk will create a link where Ugandans in the Diaspora will channel their views, ideas for the attention of Parliament.
The overall objective of the desk is to provide a forum for Ugandans in the Diaspora to engage with Parliament of Uganda. This will be through regular communication on e-mail and social media by channelling of views, reports, and follow-up on policy, legal and related issues. The specific objectives are to: –
- To share experiences and exposure with other institutions on how to deliver effective, efficient and sustainable Parliamentary services to Ugandans in the Diaspora;
- To consult and coordinate with Ugandans in the Diaspora on their expectations, needs and initiatives of the Parliament of Uganda and;
- To draw a clear road-map for delivering effective and efficient Parliamentary Services to Ugandans in the Diaspora.
CONTACT PERSON
Agnes Nabasumba
Senior Public Affairs Officer/Focal Officer-Diaspora Desk
Parliament of Uganda
Kampala-Uganda
Phone: +256-414-377183
Email: diasporadesk@parliament.go.ug
nabasumbaa@gmail.com
