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Entebbe, 18 June - Boosting parliament's role in promoting ICT was the theme of a two-day workshop held in Uganda last week, facilitated by ECA's ICT, Science and technology Division (ISTD).
Over 45 MPs and staff from the Ugandan parliament took part in the event held in Entebbe from 15-16 June, under the theme “The role of Parliament in promoting ICT, Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) for development”. The workshop was organized in the context of ECA's e-Policy Resource Network for Africa (ePolnet) ( www.epolafrica.org ), which was set up with support from the Canadian government to provide expertise, guidance and advice to African countries in implementing national e-strategies.
The specific objectives of the workshop were to:
· Familiarize MPs on their role in ICT, Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) policy formulation, planning and monitoring;
· Expose MPs to regional and international instruments governing the development and implementation of ISTI;
· Refine the roles and strategies of ICT and S&T Committees in African parliaments;
· Share and learn from various best practices.
In her opening remarks, Princess Kabakumba Labwoni Masiko, Minister/Government Chief Whip stated that the Ugandan parliament was “very determined” to promote the development of ICT and science and technology “because of their potential to transform the economy of Uganda as has been witnessed in several African states”. Such development, she added, would require accelerated efforts with regard to research, technology transfer and “the creation of formidable partnerships that will help our economy to fit into the globalization agenda and related developments.”
For his part, Edward Baliddawa, chairperson of the Ugandan parliament's ICT Committee, concurred that it was essential to ensure an inclusive knowledge economy in Uganda, including the “adequate integration of ICT in our daily activities as MPs and promotion of ICT for development within our constituencies”.
And Joseph Mugambe, chairperson of the Science and Technology Committee, noted that his committee's mandate included initiating bills on strategic issues related to STI for development.
The workshop served as a platform for developing action plans for these two committees. It increased the understanding of committee members on their role in supporting ICT, Science, Technology and Innovation for development in Uganda. Participants suggested that “innovation” be added to the name of the S&T Committee. They resolved to lobby the government for the creation of an STI policy and the appointment of a separate minister.
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