Benchmarking for Parliamentary Russell Groves November, an Australian Government, AusAID initiative Parliament of Uganda Institutional Strengthening Program Effective Committees 2 &3 and 6&7 November 2012, Kampala

Parliament of Uganda Four types of committees, established under the Rules of procedure (Parts XXIV-XXVII) Standing and sessional committees Departmental related committees Select committees Ad Hoc Committees an Australian Government, AusAID initiative

Standing Committees the Public Accounts Committee; the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline; the Business Committee; the Committee on Budget; the Committee on National Economy; the Committee on Appointments; the Committee on Equal Opportunities; the Committee on Government Assurances; the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises; the Committee on Local Government Accounts; the Committee on HIV/AIDS and related matters; and the Committee on Science and Technology. an Australian Government, AusAID initiative

Sessional Committees Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; Tourism, Trade and Industry; Social Services - (i) Education and Sports; and (ii) Health. Gender, Labour and Social Development Physical Infrastructure - (i) Lands; (ii) Housing; (iii) Urban Development; (iv) Works and Transport; and (v) Physical Planning. Legal and Parliamentary Affairs - (i) Judiciary, (ii) Parliament, (iii) Justice, (iv) Law Reform Commission, (v) Electoral Commission, (vi) Human Rights Commission, and (vii) Inspectorate of Government; Public Service and Local Government Natural Resources Presidential Affairs Foreign Affairs Defence and Internal Affairs Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Information, Communication and Technology an Australian Government, AusAID initiative

Recommended Benchmarks CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures Structure  Legislatures have the right to form permanent committees  Membership of committees shall include both majority and minority party members  The Legislature shall establish and follow a transparent method for selecting or electing the chairs of committees  Committee hearings shall be in public –any exceptions shall be clearly defined and provided for in the rules of procedure

Discussion: Committee typology Functions & powers Activities What committee system is in place? – Types of committees incl. legislation, standing portfolio/departmental, select – Functions Scrutiny/oversight, investigative – Committee powers call for submissions, summons witnesses, take evidence – Resources incl. access to legal advice, expert assistance How active are the committees - – What committee inquiries & activities have been undertaken recently? – What staff and resources are available to support the committees? Can they access expert opinion? – How many committees hold public hearings & how frequently? – What stakeholder engagement occurs? Do they receive submissions from the public? – Are the committees bipartisan? – Do the committees make recommendations? – What inquiries have been completed? – What is the Government response?

Source: European Parliament, Office for Promotion of Parliamentary Democracy, Benchmarking for Parliaments – self-assessment or minimum criteria, 2012, pp Suggested practical examples to meet committee benchmarks for Parliaments in different stages of development