KAMPALA – The Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Andrew Aja Baryayanga, has emphasized that Independent MPs help ensure communities outside the mainstream political parties are well represented in Parliament.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The former Dean of Independents in Parliament was on Friday addressing the legislators as guest speaker at the induction seminar programme for new Members of the 12th Parliament, which is ongoing at Commonwealth Speke Resort in Munyonyo.
Speaking under the theme “Understanding the Role of Independents in Multiparty Democracy,” Hon. Andrew Aja Baryayanga told new MPs that Independents are not a problem for democracy but rather essential pillars that make it stronger.
He emphasized that Independents help ensure different parts of the country are heard in Parliament and often serve as a bridge between the government and the grassroots.
“Independents bring a unique texture to our democracy. They are catalysts for robust debate, guardians of regional interests, and often the bridge that connects the Executive to the grassroots in ways that transcend partisan lines,” MP Aja remarked.
The Kabale Municipality MP also noted that Independents are free to question the government without pressure from party leaders, which helps keep the government accountable and promotes good leadership.
Hon. Andrew Aja Baryayanga added that when political parties disagree, Independents help bring people together and find common ground, leading to better decisions that benefit all Ugandans.
The legislator urged the new MPs to respect Parliament and work with everyone, no matter their political party. He reminded them that their main job is to serve the people who elected them.
“The people of Uganda did not send us here to fight for our parties; they sent us to fight for them. When we put our country first, we honour the Constitution and the trust people have given us,” the MP said.
New MPs undergo an induction seminar after swearing-in to learn Parliament’s rules, understand their lawmaking and oversight duties, sort out administrative tasks, and get familiar with support services like legal counsel and research officers.
The training also covers ethics, conflict of interest rules, and budget procedures, so that MPs can hit the ground running, avoid wasting session time, and effectively serve their constituents from day one.
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