The four major roles of a Member of Parliament are:-
- Legislation: MPs debate and pass laws through which the institutions of Government streamline the country’s development.
- Representation: MPs represent their constituents’ views in Parliament and bring to the attention of relevant Ministers different matters of national concern.
- Budget approval: MPs analyze and pass (approve) the national budget for every financial year and approve loans.
- Oversight: MPs monitor and bring to the attention of Ministers and the public the misuse of Government funds, violations of the rule of law and unlawful activities.
1. Legislation
Articles 79(1) and (2) of the Constitution of Uganda provide that subject to the provisions of the Constitution, only Parliament or a person or body authorized by Parliament, has the power to make laws. Article 91 provides ways in which the President participates in the law-making process.
Members debate and pass laws through which the institutions of government endeavor to guide the country’s process. No doubt, Hon Mary Begumisa’s participation and thorough contribution to both debates on the floor of Parliament and Parliamentary committees (Sectoral and standing) based on the score card make her an outstanding legislator.
2. Representation
A member of parliament represents the views of the constituents in parliament. He or she brings national concerns to the attention of relevant ministers
3. Budget Approval
Article 156 of the 1995 Constitution (Amended in 2006) mandates Parliament to Approve the National Budget.
4. Oversight role
Hon Mary Begumisa most times visits and assesses government projects so that her constituents can ably enjoy government social services including schools, hospitals, roads, water, etc.
A member of parliament analyzes and passes the national budget. There is a long budget process which has multiple stages – the most significant being the Budget Framework, the Draft Budget and the Approved Budget.
The functions of the Parliament of Uganda are:
1. To pass laws for the good governance of Uganda.
2. To provide, by giving legislative sanctions to taxation and acquisition of loans, the means of carrying out the work of Government.
3. To scrutinize Government policy and administration through the following:
(a). pre-legislative scrutiny of Bills referred to Committees of Parliament;
(b). scrutinizing of the various objects of expenditure and the sums to be spent on each;
(c). assuring transparency and accountability in the application of public funds; and
(d). monitoring the implementation of Government programmes and projects.
Sources of Financing the National Budget
The budget is made for a financial year which begins on 1st July, each year
and ends on 30th June. The budget is financed from three main sources:
• Taxes: Tax revenues collected by URA e.g. income tax, customs duties,
consumption taxes,
• Non Tax revenue: Fees (e.g. Passport and
Immigration fees) and Licenses,
• Loans : Concessional credits provided by multilateral agencies
• Grants: Mostly from bilateral development partners