Uganda is stepping up its parliamentary engagement with emerging global powers as Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth leads a cross-party delegation to India for discussions on institutional resilience, economic development, digital innovation and global governance.
The bipartisan Ugandan parliamentary delegation arrived in New Delhi on October 25 for the BRICS parliamentary forum scheduled for October 26–27.
The forum, hosted by India’s Parliament at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development,” brings together legislative leaders from BRICS member states and partner countries to discuss sustainable development, institutional resilience, global governance reforms, digital innovation and human-centred artificial intelligence.
Oboth-Oboth is accompanied by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi (Nakawa West), Betty Nakisita Mpongo (Namutumba District), Sowedi Ismail Mulemya (Busia Municipality) and Annet Katusiime Mugisha (Bushenyi District).
The inclusion of government and opposition representatives gives the delegation a bipartisan character as Uganda seeks to advance its national interests through parliamentary diplomacy.
“As a BRICS partner country, our delegation will contribute to discussions on building strong institutions, how to ensure sustainable development and fairer global governance, digital innovation and human-centred artificial intelligence,” Oboth-Oboth said in a statement.
He said the agenda reflects the 12th Parliament’s commitment to placing citizens at the centre of legislation.
The Ugandan speaker described parliamentary diplomacy as a practical tool for advancing Uganda’s economic and strategic interests beyond formal engagements. “It is how we open doors to trade, investment, skills and technology for Uganda,” he said. “Most importantly, it is how we ensure that Africa’s voice is heard where decisions are made.”
The Speaker also expressed appreciation for the welcome extended by India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Uganda and India have longstanding economic ties, with bilateral trade estimated at $1.35 billion (about Shs5.93 trillion). According to Oboth-Oboth, Uganda’s Indian business community, estimated at between 25,000 and 27,000 people, contributes about 65% of the country’s income tax revenue.
The forum is taking place under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, which prioritises resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the opening session and meet the heads of visiting delegations.
Parliamentary representatives from 11 BRICS member states, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, are expected to participate alongside representatives from 10 partner countries, including Uganda.
Uganda’s participation provides a platform to pursue economic partnerships while contributing to discussions on institutional accountability, inclusive development and the role of emerging economies in shaping global governance.
The two-day forum is expected to conclude with a joint statement outlining areas of consensus on strengthening parliamentary institutions, promoting people-centred development and amplifying the perspectives of the Global South in multilateral decision-making-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
