NEW DELHI, INDIA — Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Jacob Oboth-Oboth has arrived in New Delhi, India, to lead Uganda’s delegation to the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, scheduled for October 26–27, 2026, bringing together Speakers and Presiding Officers from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss parliamentary cooperation and people-centred development. The meeting provides Uganda with an opportunity to strengthen international parliamentary relations and explore partnerships that could support the country’s economic and institutional priorities.
Oboth-Oboth’s participation marks his first BRICS Parliamentary Forum since he was elected Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament in May 2026. His presence at the international gathering comes as Uganda seeks to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, promote cooperation with other countries and expand opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer and skills development through engagement with global partners.
The Ugandan delegation includes four Members of Parliament representing different political and geographical constituencies. They are Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, Hon. Annet Katusiime Mugisha, Woman Member of Parliament for Bushenyi District, Hon. Sowedi Ismail Mulemy of Busia Municipality, and Hon. Betty Nakisita Mpongo, Woman Member of Parliament for Namutumba District. The inclusion of the Opposition leader alongside government-side representatives highlights the importance of cooperation across political lines when advancing Uganda’s interests in international engagements.
Upon arrival in New Delhi, Oboth-Oboth and his delegation were received by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who is chairing this year’s Forum. The Ugandan representatives were welcomed with a cultural performance featuring Bhangra dancers dressed in blue and yellow, accompanied by traditional dhol drummers. Members of the delegation joined the celebratory atmosphere, clapping and taking part in a few dance steps, marking a warm reception ahead of the official deliberations.
This year’s Forum is being held under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to open the meeting on Monday morning at Central Hall, Samvidhan Sadan. Each participating country is expected to have a limited speaking time of approximately three to four minutes during plenary sessions, giving Oboth-Oboth an opportunity to present Uganda’s priorities on development, institutional strengthening and international cooperation.
The opening day features discussions on resilience, innovation and cooperation. Delegates are expected to examine how parliaments can strengthen public institutions, improve their ability to respond to emerging challenges and ensure that governance serves citizens more effectively. The innovation discussions will focus on artificial intelligence and digital technologies, while the cooperation session will consider reforms to global institutions to give countries such as Uganda a stronger and fairer voice in international decision-making.
On Tuesday, the Forum will turn to sustainability and the role of parliaments in promoting inclusive development. Alongside the plenary sessions, chairs of International Affairs Committees are expected to meet to discuss parliamentary diplomacy, professional training and opportunities for legislatures to learn from one another. These engagements could help Uganda strengthen parliamentary capacity, exchange legislative experience and build relationships that support its long-term development agenda.
Uganda’s participation also carries economic significance because India is among the country’s major trading partners. Bilateral trade is estimated at about US$1.35 billion annually, although Uganda imports substantial quantities of manufactured goods and medicines while exporting mainly coffee and other raw commodities. The engagement offers an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening trade relations, attracting investment and broadening cooperation beyond existing commodity exchanges. India’s business community in Uganda also forms an important part of the economic relationship between the two countries.
The Forum is expected to conclude on Tuesday with the adoption of a Joint Statement outlining commitments agreed upon by participating parliaments, followed by closing remarks from Speaker Birla. The Ugandan delegation is also expected to hold meetings with other delegations on the sidelines. For Oboth-Oboth, the central task will be to translate parliamentary engagement into practical partnerships that can benefit Uganda through stronger diplomatic relations, expanded economic opportunities, technology, skills development and improved cooperation among legislatures.
