By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
On 21st March 2021, Parliament celebrates her historical journey in transforming and building democracy in Uganda ,established on 21 march 1921 a section of seven members sat in composition of a national assembly in Entebbe Government House then dominated by colonial governors who were whites late it expanded to include even Indians and the blacks, it is now a great institution of government.
The Speaker of parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga said that the institution of parliament has transformed from just a seven member meeting in 1921 to a benchmarking institution in building democratic values, rule of law and good governance and accountability that has improved oversight and monitoring of government programs a clear manifest worth celebrating.
At the launching of a photo exhibition to mark 100 years of parliament legislating in Uganda on Tuesday, 23 March 2021, Kadaga acknowledged the growth that Parliament of Uganda has undergone from representation by colonial leaders to one composed of Ugandans.
“We have transformed from a Parliament of seven unelected Members. The first President was Sir Robert Corydon in a sitting with the Protectorate’s Attorney General, Chief Medical Officer, Treasurer and Chief Secretary,” said Kadaga.
She added that nominated Members of the Legislative Council (LEGCO) – Mr. Hunter and Mr. Lewis had been elected by the Europeans.
Kadaga said that Uganda was represented by the Kabaka of Buganda who was a spectator in the sitting with his cabinet.
“Overtime, things have changed and the Africans have now taken over to make a fully Africanized Parliament where all the Members are elected and born and resident,” Kadaga said.
Kadaga said that sometimes parliament faced dark days, she noted the that when the coup took place in 1971, Parliament was the first place of rampage, which after dissolution at the time, had its archives and records destroyed.
“We have been picking pieces here and there and I commend our team for the work they are doing.
The Clerk to Parliament, Jane Kibirige congratulated the President, Cabinet, MPs and staff for successfully marking the milestone of the 100 year journey.
“We are very privileged and lucky that we are the ones celebrating a century of the National assembly, now Parliament of Uganda,” she said.
