The Role of Parliamentarians in Promoting Good Governance in Uganda: A Conceptual Review
Abstract
Good governance relies on both democratic institutions and the capacity, integrity, and responsiveness of their actors. Parliamentarians occupy a strategically important position in governance systems because they make laws, authorise public expenditure, scrutinise executive conduct, represent citizens and mediate competing social interests. This article examines the role of parliamentarians in promoting effective governance and evaluates the institutional, political and socio-economic conditions that create both opportunities and challenges for parliamentary action. Drawing on theories of representation, institutionalism, principal–agent relations, deliberative democracy and horizontal accountability, the article argues that parliamentarians advance good governance when they combine effective legislation, evidence-informed oversight, inclusive representation, budgetary scrutiny, public engagement and ethical leadership. The article also develops an integrated framework showing that parliamentary effectiveness is shaped by the interaction among formal institutional powers, organisational capacity, political incentives, civic participation and individual integrity. Particular attention is given to emerging democracies and African political systems, where constitutional reforms have often strengthened formal legislative authority without eliminating informal patronage, executive centralisation or unequal access to political resources. The article concludes with a call for further strengthening of parliament, not only through technical training but also through political incentives, institutional autonomy, public accountability, gender and social inclusion, digital transformation, electoral integrity, and ethical standards enforcement. Effective parliamentarians are indispensable to accountable government, but their contribution depends on whether democratic institutions enable them to exercise authority independently, competently and transparently.