A delegation of Parliamentarians who are members of the Parliamentary Service Commission from the Parliament of Uganda paid a courtesy call on Hon Amusaa K Mwanamwambwa, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2009 at 10:00 hours at Parliament Buildings.  The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs Doris K Mwinga attended the meeting.

The Parliamentarians are on a study visit to the National Assembly of Zambia from 2nd to 6th November, 2009.  The delegation leader is Hon David Gumisiriza, MP.  Other members of the delegation include Hon Florence Ibi Ekwau, MP,  Hon Denis Obua, MP accompanied by Mr Ignatius Kasirya, Assistant Director International Collaboration and Mrs Deborah Akube, Principal Personal Secretary.

The Ugandan Parliamentary Service Commission is visiting the Zambian Parliament to share experiences on best practices and procedures to enhance their skills and knowledge on the mandate and functions of the Standing Orders Committee; how Conditions of Service for staff are determined; how management and administration operate; and the management of the National Assembly Budget.

The delegation exchanged views and shared experiences with the Hon Mr Speaker on the work of the Standing Orders Committee and the Parliamentary Service Commission, in the case of Uganda.  Whereas Uganda has in place a Parliamentary Service Commission, it was explained that currently the Standing Orders Committee, amongst other functions, is responsible for determining the Conditions of Service for staff of the National Assembly of Zambia.  It was learnt further that the National Constitutional Conference was yet to consider the issue regarding the establishment of the Parliamentary Service Commission for inclusion in the Zambian Constitution.

The delegation also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest to the two Parliaments.  The delegation is also expected to hold consultative meetings with members of the Standing Orders Committee, Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services and Committee on Reforms and Modernisation, and will attend the sitting of the House on Thursday, 5th November, 2009.