The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has challenged Members of the 12th Parliament to safeguard the independence of Parliament, preserve meaningful debate, and uphold accountability as they begin a new legislative term.Speaking during the induction seminar for Members of Parliament at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday, Ssenyonyi said Parliament’s effectiveness would depend on its ability to remain independent and hold all public office bearers accountable without fear or favour.He identified three critical priorities that should guide the work of the 12th Parliament: safeguarding the independence of Parliament, protecting the culture of meaningful debate, and defending the principle of accountability irrespective of who occupies public office.“Let us defend the principle of accountability with equal determination, irrespective of who occupies public office,” Ssenyonyi said.He stressed that public resources belong to the people of Uganda and not to the government or Parliament, adding that legislators have a duty to ensure every public shilling is properly accounted for.“Every shilling appropriated by this House carries with it a solemn obligation to account for how it is spent. That obligation does not change with political seasons because accountability is the currency through which citizens place their trust in public institutions,” he said.The remarks came during the official opening of the four-day induction seminar by the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth, who outlined a seven-point strategic vision for the 12th Parliament.The Speaker said the House would pursue zero tolerance for corruption, strengthen accountability and compliance with public finance management laws, promote evidence-based and people-centred legislation, adopt results-based budgeting, foster an open and transparent Parliament, and enhance proactive oversight through parliamentary committees.He also urged Members of Parliament to uphold the highest standards of transparency and integrity in the discharge of their duties.“Corruption is not the Speaker or Parliament alone; corruption is the whole of government,” the Speaker said, calling for a united effort across public institutions to combat graft.The induction seminar has brought together newly elected and returning Members of Parliament to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively execute their constitutional mandates of legislation, representation, oversight, and appropriation before the 12th Parliament begins its work.The post Joel Ssenyonyi Urges 12th Parliament to Defend Independence, Accountability appeared first on The Insider.