Uganda’s Parliament has turned to the UK House of Commons for guidance as Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth pursues reforms at the institution.
Oboth met UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in London on September 17, 2026. Their talks focused on improving parliamentary management and strengthening ties between the two legislatures.
Uganda’s parliamentary systems and administrative practices drew much of their structure from the House of Commons. Oboth now wants Parliament to revisit that foundation as part of his reform programme.
He said the UK Parliament’s long history offers lessons that could support changes in Uganda.
“This is about consolidating our efforts to reset, revive and rejuvenate the management and affairs of the Parliament of Uganda,” Oboth said.
The two leaders also discussed staff and legislator exchanges, attachments and benchmarking programmes. These initiatives would allow officials from both institutions to share knowledge and experience.
Oboth proposed an inter-parliamentary network to promote cooperation beyond legislative affairs. He identified education, trade and mining as areas where Uganda and the UK could pursue common interests.
“Such parliamentary relations should be strengthened to a level that brings the two parliaments and the two nations closer in jointly pursuing shared interests,” he said.
Hoyle congratulated Oboth on becoming Speaker and welcomed his reform agenda. He pledged the UK Parliament’s support for closer parliamentary relations with Uganda.
The British Speaker also placed the talks within the wider Commonwealth relationship. He said parliamentary diplomacy could strengthen the organisation and help African countries pursue a common agenda within it.
Officials from both legislatures expect the meeting to pave the way for a formal cooperation framework covering governance, education and trade.
