Members of parliamentary committees and officials attended an induction programme this month aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability functions.
The one-day information session on the Parliamentary Committee System was held on 11 June at the PTC Conference Room II under the theme, “Serving with Integrity and Transparency.”
The programme brought together members of parliamentary standing committees, committee secretariat officers and senior parliamentary officials to enhance understanding of the committee system and its role in supporting parliamentary oversight.
Opening the session, Speaker of Parliament Patteson John Oti said parliamentary committees play an important role in democratic governance by scrutinising public institutions and government activities. He encouraged participants to uphold integrity and professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities.
Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu said continuous learning and collaboration were important in strengthening parliamentary processes and institutional performance.
Presentations and discussions facilitated by senior parliamentary officials and the Committee Secretariat Department covered the functions and powers of parliamentary committees, parliamentary inquiry processes, committee administration, and the roles and responsibilities of committee chairpersons, members, clerks and secretariat staff.
Participants also discussed current parliamentary reform initiatives, committee support mechanisms and areas for potential improvement, including committee autonomy, strategic planning and institutional support.
Director of the Committee Secretariat Wilson Orisi acknowledged the participation of members and staff and thanked the Secretariat team for organising the programme.
According to Parliament, the induction programme formed part of ongoing efforts to build institutional capacity and support an effective and accountable committee system.
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