House Grants Cecilia Ogwal Leave to Introduce Bill on Institute of Parliamentary Studies

Parliament has on Thursday granted leave to Dokolo Woman MP, Cecilia Atim Ogwal to introduce a private members bill entitled, ‘The Institute of Parliamentary Studies Bill, 2018’.

The objective of the Bill is to cause for a legal frame work to guide the systematic training of Members of Parliament and staff on the different Parliamentary processes.

The Institute of Parliamentary Studies that is currently in place was formed in 2012 and has been operating without a legal framework yet this is a prerequisite for any training institute in the country.

The Bill by Ogwal proposes to offer training to the local council leaders among other stakeholders, in order to familiarize themselves with the works of Parliament.

The Institute shall conduct courses for the exposition and enhancement of the knowledge, skills and experience of Members and staff of Parliament, local councils and all other legislative bodies.

“It shall contribute to the effective and efficient execution by legislatures of their roles and functions in democratic governance and to participate in the preservation and transmission of parliamentary knowledge,” the draft Bill reads in part.

The institution will as well provide directly or in collaboration with other institutions of higher learning, facilities for Parliamentary research, studies and training.

Alex Byarugaba, the Isingiro county MP who supported the motion for Ogwal’s leave, justified the need for this Bill saying it will act as a formal link between Parliament and local councils since these do almost similar work of legislation and over sight on government work.

Cecilia Ogwal now has 45 days to work on this Bill before it is brought to the floor of Parliament for the first reading.