A delegation of 7 British Members of Parliament from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has paid a courtesy call on Buganda Kingdom.

The delegation was received by the Katikkiro of Buganda J.G. Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, on behalf of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, on Monday 18 August 2000.

The British Parliamentarians hosted by the Parliament of Uganda were on a reciprocal 6-day visit to Uganda following several visits by their counterparts, Ugandan Members of Parliament to the U.K. in the past. The purpose of the British Parliamentarians' visit being fulfillment of one CPA objective, namely "to promote knowledge and understanding of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural systems within a parliamentary democratic framework".

With the above regard, Honourables: Tony Worthington, the leader of the delegation, David Borrow (Labour), Ronnie Campbell (Labour), Michael Howard QC (Conservative), Nigel Jones (Liberal Democrat), Prof. Lord McColl and Lady McColl, are interested in interactions in the following areas:

1. The Parliamentarian political scene in Uganda
2. Governance at all levels from the National to the village levels with emphasis on decentralization.
3. Observance of democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and transparency.
4. The legislative process in Uganda, the use of Committee, the role and status of Speaker, communication among various political actors, systems and procedures unique to the Parliament of Uganda.
5. Educational systems and Health delivery systems with specific reference to measures to combat AIDS.
6. Commerce and Industry including Tourism.
7. Enforcement of law and order
8. The legal system in Uganda
9. Measures in place and anticipated to modernise Agriculture
10. Relationship with neighbouring countries and the effects of political and economic changes in Africa.

While welcoming the delegation, the Katikkiro of Buganda introduced the Kingdom Team and gave a brief background of the Kingdom. The Katikkiro, who was found in his office at Bulange - Mengo, said that the Kingdom is now:

• concentrating on developing and protecting its rich culture
• Restoring morality, Ethics and integrity
• Community Voluntary Work
• Mobilizing people to development and poverty alleviation
• Education
• Rural Development
• Public Health
• Peaceful co-existentialism
• Assisting the Central Government on projects where Buganda has a higher comparative advantage

The Katikkiro went on to say that in order to accomplish the above, Buganda needs a conducive political environment and therefore, loves to contribute in discussions on constitutionalism, rule of law, accountable governance, liberal democracy and negotiated conflict resolution .

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Tony Worthington said that Federal governance system is the best. This is justified by the Federal States in their own country which have developed much faster than other states with difference systems of governance. He urged the Buganda Kingdon to strengthen further cooperation with the Central Government of Uganda to be able to achieve the Federal system of governance.

Mr. Worthington also noted that although Ugandan products are so attractive they are not available in markets abroad. He then, advised Buganda government to make due arrangements to export such products to the U.K.

They praised the Kingdom for the work well done despite the fact that the Ministers don't earn any salary and the Lukiiko meets only once a month.

The British Parliamentarians were introduced to the Katikkiro of Buganda by the Ugandan Members of Parliament, Hon. Margaret Nantongo Ziwa (Kampala) and Hon. Medi Kaggwa (Kawempe). Also present were Kabaka's Ministers Abeebitiibwa: Kaaya Kavuma, John Katende, J.B. Walusimbi, Peter Muliira, Lutaaya Mukomazi, Apollo Makubuya, Leo Kibirango, Kaddu Kiberu and Robert Sebunnya.