HIDA signs MoU with Parliament

On Tuesday, 6th February 2007 at 3.00 p.m., HIDA signed an MoU with Parliament at the premises of Chamber of Deputies. Representing Parliament was Mr. Anicet Habarulema, Secretary General, Chamber of Deputies and Mr. Fidel Rwigamba, Secretary General, Senate. HIDA was represented by the Director of HIDA, Mr. Charles Karake; the Public Sector Reform Specialist, Mr. Pascal Niyigena as well as the Information, Education and Communication Specialist, Mr. Peter Malinga.

This MoU is in line with the capacity building package aimed at strengtening the capacity of Parliament to execute thier role of government oversight, policy analysis and legislation. The MoU will spell out a list of activities to be implemented; obligations of each party; measures to safeguard implementation; provisions for modification and duration. The aim of signing these MoUs is to define the framework of cooperation, enhance commitment and sustain partnership.

The package of capacity building support to Parliament which HIDA is coordinating is funded by World Bank and the African Capacity Building Foundation and includes the following: executive training on the role of parliament; joint training of parliamentarians, journalists, and parliamentary staff on the role of parliament in budget approval and oversight; outreach campaign of the parliament to keep the public continuously informed about the work of the parliament; collaboration with the civil society on how to engage them in the process of legislation; support the establishment of a research unit; support provision of resources for the parliamentary library and strengthen the communication and networking facilities