Ugandan Lawmakers Visit Nigeria to Learn About Constituency Project System
Ugandan lawmakers are in Nigeria to study the functionality of the constituency project system, particularly the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Workshop discussions emphasize the need for vibrant constituency relations to enhance community development and effective fund management. Ugandan officials also recognize the workshop as an opportunity for legislative capacity building and inter-parliamentary collaboration between Uganda and Nigeria.
Members of the Ugandan Parliament’s Budget Committee have commenced a visit to Nigeria to examine the country’s constituency project system. During a workshop hosted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Committee Chairman Mr. Philip Opolot expressed their goal to learn about Nigeria’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and its implementation. This initiative reflects Uganda’s ongoing discussions about empowering lawmakers to utilize CDF effectively, as they are more familiar with the needs of their constituencies.
In his address, NILDS Director-General Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman emphasized the importance of active communication between lawmakers and their constituents to enhance the use of CDF. He noted that citizens expect regular interactions with their representatives, allowing them to voice their needs and concerns. According to Sulaiman, constituency relations facilitate mutual understanding and collaboration between legislators and their communities, ultimately strengthening democracy.
Prof. Sulaiman described the CDF as an essential element of constituency relations, vital for local development. He pointed out that effective management of these funds is crucial for ensuring resource allocation aligns with national development goals. Such management fosters transparency and supports grassroots initiatives that address community needs.
The Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Odidah, praised the leadership of Nigeria’s National Assembly for their commitment to bolstering legislative capacities across Africa. He remarked on the crucial role of parliamentarians in governance, highlighting their responsibilities in law-making and oversight to ensure alignment with citizens’ aspirations. Ambassador Odidah recognized the capacity-building program as a significant opportunity for Ugandan lawmakers to acquire vital skills for effective governance and legislative practices.
In concluding remarks, the director-general encouraged Ugandan parliamentarians to engage fully with the knowledge and experiences shared during the workshop. He identified the event as an important platform for fostering dialogue and enhancing cooperation between Uganda and Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
The visit of Ugandan lawmakers to Nigeria is geared towards learning from Nigeria’s Constituency Development Fund, reflecting Uganda’s interest in enhancing the role of legislators in community development. Emphasis on effective constituency relations and resource management underscores the importance of transparent governance and active citizen engagement. This collaboration fosters not only capacity-building but also strengthens inter-parliamentary cooperation across Africa.
Original Source: nannews.ng
