Tayebwa Seeks Commonwealth Expertise to Strengthen Parliament

What the report says

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has asked the Commonwealth Secretariat to help Uganda’s Parliament improve its work through training, digitalisation and exchanges with other legislatures. The request was made on Wednesday during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who was in Uganda on her first official visit since taking office. Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare accompanied her, according to Nile Post.

Tayebwa said Parliament needs support to strengthen the capacity of MPs and staff, and to modernise parliamentary processes. He suggested that study visits and peer exchanges could help lawmakers and staff learn practices from other Commonwealth parliaments and adapt them at home. He also said Parliament’s oversight role remains important in holding the Executive to account.

Botchwey said her visit was meant to better understand how Uganda’s Parliament carries out its accountability role and to identify areas where the Commonwealth can assist. She indicated support for institutional strengthening and said Parliament can contribute to democracy, accountability and liberties. She also raised broader Commonwealth priorities such as youth engagement, education, entrepreneurship, skills development and climate adaptation.

The discussion took place as Commonwealth members prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. The report places the Uganda engagement within wider Commonwealth efforts to strengthen institutions and promote development across member states.