Parliament Week ends, best exhibitors awarded

The Third Annual Parliament Week has seen over 5,000 members of the public participate in activities aimed at bringing the legislature closer to the public.
While officiating at the closure of the event on Friday, 18 January 2019 at Parliament, Hon. Elijah Okupa (FDC, Kasilo County) said since its inception, the event has enabled Parliament to increase the public’s knowledge about the institution.
“The zone of ignorance about Parliament has reduced because of the Parliament Week,” said Okupa.
He however decried the low participation of Members of Parliament in the event. He called on MPs and staff to take advantage of the event to enrich their knowledge about Parliament.
“The Parliamentary Commission should encourage MPs to attend this event. There is a lot of information about Parliament that we need to know,” said Okupa.
Meanwhile, the Department of Sergeant-At-Arms emerged the best exhibitor among the over 20 departments in Parliament. The department received an award as well as a bull and three goats.
The Department of Library and Information Services took the second position and was given a recognition award, and a bull. The Department of Research Services emerged third and received a recognition award and three goats.
The departments were awarded points based on presentation, appearance and decoration. They were also assessed based on available materials about their work, alignment to the theme of the event, friendliness and messages about Parliament given to those who visited their stalls.
While closing the exhibition, the Clerk to Parliament, Jane Kibirige, applauded the departments for engaging with the public.
“Given the way you presented yourselves, I am proud of you and happy to identity with your work,” said Kibirige.
She added that the theme of the Parliament Week: “Championing accountability to improve service delivery”, was timely because it calls for efficiency in the oversight role of MPs.
The Parliament Week, which was held from 13 to 19 January, 2019 involved several activities such as; a charity walk to raise funds to establish a rehabilitation centre for persons living with albinism; interdenominational ecumenical prayers; meet your MP sessions; Public Parliament and a panel discussion involving Local Council 5 Chairpersons.
Over 20 departments of Parliament and selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies exhibited and showcased their work throughout the week. A Corporate Social Responsibility activity aimed at raising funds to buy and plant trees was also held during the week.