An investigation into the role of parliament in making development aid more effective: The case of Ugandan parliament

Abstract

This is a desk study of the institution of parliament and parliamentarians role in making development aid more effective in aid recipient developing countries. The Uganda parliament has been used as case study. Official Development Assistance (ODA) flows must have as its main objective the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries. By ensuring development aid funds are accounted for and transparently spent to benefit those who are most in need, parliaments and parliamentarians contribute to development effectiveness. The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (2005) and Accra Agenda for Action on Aid Effectiveness (2008) are international instruments used to strengthen the role of parliaments in overseeing development cooperation. There is international and regional renewed focus on the institution of Parliament and its potential value and contribution to democracy, good governance and development. Parliamentary oversight on development aid in Uganda is improving but still limited by the multiplicity of challenges ranging from lack the independence, knowledge and resources to perform mutual and domestic accountability functions. ODA cannot bypass parliament if it is to be effective. Both donor agencies and partner governments should be accountable to their respective parliaments because parliamentary oversight at the heart of stable modern democracies.