By Mbabazi Hannington Gonzaga

Kampala, UG: In the hallowed halls of Parliament, where the voices of the nation converge, lies a sacred trust bestowed upon our elected representatives. They are the guardians of legislation, the architects of our collective future, entrusted with the weighty responsibility of shaping laws that govern our society. Yet, recent events have brought to light a concerning deviation from this noble mandate.

It is essential to reaffirm the core roles of Members of Parliament (MPs), as enshrined in our constitutional framework. At the heart of their duties lies legislation, a solemn duty to craft laws that reflect the aspirations and values of the Ugandan people. However, amidst the clamour of appropriation battles and oversight skirmishes, the sanctity of this mandate risks being overshadowed.

The doctrine of separation of powers, a cornerstone of democratic governance, demands a clear delineation of responsibilities. Appropriation of funds and oversight functions, while crucial checks on executive power, should not eclipse the primary duty of legislation. Immunity from prosecution should not serve as a shield for criminal behaviour, but rather as a safeguard to ensure fearless debate and representation within the parliamentary chambers.

In examining the scope of parliamentary immunity, it is imperative to heed the wisdom of jurisprudence from around the globe. The Indian case of State v. Karala reminds us that privileges and immunities are not licenses for malfeasance but instruments to uphold the rule of law. Similarly, while some jurisdictions afford extensive immunities to their legislators, they do not absolve them of accountability for grave transgressions.

Uganda’s constitutional provisions regarding parliamentary immunity must be interpreted judiciously. Immunity is not a carte blanche for misconduct but a means to foster robust debate and legislative independence. The spirit of Article 97 is to shield MPs within the precincts of Parliament, not as a cloak for clandestine dealings outside its confines.

Moreover, the principle of equality before the law, enshrined in Article 21 of our constitution, underscores that no one, regardless of office or status, is above the law. The plethora of punitive statutes against corruption and crime leaves no room for impunity, even among our elected representatives.

It is incumbent upon our legislators to uphold the sanctity of their office and honour the trust bestowed upon them by the people. Parliamentary immunity should not be misconstrued as impunity but as a means to fulfil their legislative duties without fear or favour. As custodians of democracy, they must wield their powers judiciously, mindful of their duty to serve the interests of the nation above themselves.

In conclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The integrity of Parliament hinges upon the responsible exercise of power and the unwavering dedication to the public good. Let us hold our elected representatives to account, not out of malice but out of a shared desire for a just and equitable society.

The Writer is a media analyst and can be reached at mbabazihanning@gmail.com