The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has committed Uganda to kickstarting processes to further deepen and strengthen bilateral and parliamentary relations with Pakistan.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Oboth emphasised that Uganda is identifying a select group of countries to establish stronger bilateral ties, naming Pakistan as a key ally.
The meeting took place on Monday, 14 September 2026 on the side lines of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa that runs from September 13 to 18, 2026.
The pledge signals a focused trajectory for Uganda-Pakistan relations, prioritising legislative cooperation in trade, economic diplomacy, capacity building, research, climate change, and educational exchanges. The two leaders stressed the necessity of moving beyond ceremonial engagements to establish operational frameworks that create genuine opportunities for the citizens of both nations.
Developing his remarks on parliamentary diplomacy, Speaker Oboth highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, noting that Pakistan remains a key partner whose citizens actively contribute to Uganda's economic landscape. He pointed to the Pakistani community residing and operating businesses in Uganda as a strong foundation for expanded bilateral engagement.
"Uganda is willing and ready to strengthen this relationship so that we offer our citizens greater opportunities," the Speaker said.
Emphasising that legislative bodies must play a direct role in national and economic development, Oboth urged parliamentarians to use legislative tools to advance international trade, tax frameworks and economic diplomacy.
"This friendship puts into place grounds for deeper bilateral engagements between the two countries, including exchange programmes. [Parliament of Uganda] is ready to share experiences in areas of capacity building, education, research and information sharing," Oboth said.
Addressing shared global concerns, Oboth reiterated Uganda’s commitment to jointly combat climate change alongside willing international partners. He specifically commended Pakistan’s leadership and commitment in addressing climate issues on the international stage.
The bilateral discussions also recalled past cooperation between the two legislatures within the Commonwealth framework. Oboth acknowledged Pakistan’s appreciation of Uganda’s support in the election of the Pakistani Speaker as President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in the meetings that were held in Cameroon in October 2014.
He cited the contribution of former Ugandan Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, who spearheaded the establishment of the East African Community and Africa-level parliamentary caucuses and appreciated Pakistan’s support to the Speaker emeritus during her tenure as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum.
Sadiq welcomed Uganda's commitment and expressed gratitude for Uganda’s support during his election as CPA President in 2014 and noted that Uganda’s influence was instrumental in convincing African countries to back Pakistan’s candidature.
Pakistan, Sadiq revealed, has chosen to focus on Africa in its foreign policy agenda, noting that significant potential exists between Uganda and Pakistan that the two countries should embrace through Memorandums of Understanding.
Sadiq shared that Pakistan initiated formal Parliamentary Diplomacy in 2014 and remains willing to cooperate with Uganda across international forums such as the CPA and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
On climate action, Speaker Sadiq highlighted global warming as a primary concern for Pakistan, stating that Pakistan’s Parliament and school systems have adopted innovative approaches such as going paperless to combat climate change, an area where Pakistan seeks to cooperate with Uganda.
Speaker Sadiq extended an invitation to Oboth to visit Pakistan soon to engage directly with the Parliament and government officials.
Oboth was accompanied by Uganda’s five members to the CPA - Hon. Emely Kugonza (NRM, Buyanja East County), Hon. Naome Kabasharira (NRM, Rushenyi County), Hon. Benard Otim (NRM, Maruzi North County), Hon. Fortunate Nantongo (NUP, District Woman Representative, Kyotera), Hon. Silas Aogon (Indep., Kumi Municipality), and Hon. Adrine Katusiime (NRM, District Woman Representative, Sheema). They were joined by H.E. Paul Amoru, Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa.
