The newly sworn-in MPs have been cautioned against the careless use of language during plenary and committee sessions as they prepare to begin parliamentary business.
The Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige Kasaija, issued the warning during a multi-day orientation programme for newly elected legislators at Parliament in Kampala.
Mwesige said members needed to be mindful of their statements during debates because every contribution made on the floor of Parliament is officially recorded in the Hansard.
“I want to congratulate all of you upon joining the 12th Parliament. Everything you say in Parliament is recorded in the Hansard, which is the official document of the House. It is produced instantly, and members should therefore be careful about what they say because everything is recorded,” Mwesige said.
He explained that the Hansard serves as an important historical and reference document because it captures members’ views and positions during parliamentary proceedings.
Mwesige said the orientation programme is intended to prepare legislators for their constitutional roles, including legislation, appropriation, and oversight of the executive and other arms of government.
According to the clerk, the programme is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical guidance on the administrative framework, core functions, and overall structure of Parliament.
He said members would also be introduced to the various support services available to assist them in carrying out their duties.
He added that participants would receive briefings on the key functions of MPs, including oversight of government performance, legislation, and appropriation, while also helping them understand the operational and physical structure of Parliament.
The orientation programme will further allow legislators to engage with parliamentary technical staff, parliamentary leadership, and fellow legislators before formally taking up their duties.
On the second day, members are expected to receive presentations from several parliamentary offices, including the Office of the Speaker, Office of the Clerk, Office of the Leader of Government Business, Office of the Commission Secretariat, and the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
Members will also be briefed on the work of the Department of Clerks, Research Services, and Library and Records Services before concluding the programme with a guided tour of the parliamentary precincts.
Despite efforts by parliamentary leadership to familiarise legislators with the institution’s structure, procedures, and departmental responsibilities, some political observers have raised concerns about the quality of debate in Parliament.
The orientation programme began on Tuesday and will run until Friday.
