Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has joined hundreds of lawmakers from across the world at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania, as parliamentarians discuss governance, democracy and human rights.
Oboth Oboth, speaking on behalf of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, said he was attending the assembly alongside a delegation of Ugandan lawmakers as part of efforts to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and multilateral diplomacy.
The five-day IPU Assembly is being hosted by Tanzania’s National Assembly at the Arusha International Conference Centre from October 5 to 9, 2026.
According to Oboth Oboth, the gathering has brought together legislators from different countries for high-level discussions aimed at promoting good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and equal opportunities.
“At this historic assembly, I am accompanied by a delegation of Members of Parliament, in furtherance of our mission to strengthen the Inter-Parliamentary Union and multilateral parliamentary diplomacy,” he said.
The Speaker also highlighted the role of the IPU in promoting cooperation among national parliaments and addressing global challenges through parliamentary dialogue.
Founded in 1889, the IPU describes itself as the world’s first multilateral political organisation. It currently brings together 183 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies.
Oboth Oboth said the organisation plays a role in promoting peace, democracy and sustainable development while supporting parliaments to become stronger, greener and more gender-balanced.
The Ugandan Speaker also disclosed that he had interacted with the IPU Committee on Human Rights during the assembly over allegations concerning human rights violations raised by some current and former Ugandan MPs.
“I am glad that I was granted a chance to interact with the IPU Committee on Human Rights over human rights allegations brought before it by a section of our current and former MPs,” he said.
He did not provide details of the allegations or identify the lawmakers involved in the statement.
The Speaker said his position on the matter would be communicated to the media through his office’s press team.
The human rights engagement comes as the IPU continues to maintain a dedicated committee dealing with complaints and concerns involving the rights of parliamentarians across member countries.
The Arusha meeting is expected to provide a platform for legislators to exchange experiences and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy on issues affecting their respective countries.
For Uganda, Oboth Oboth’s participation places the country’s Parliament within broader international discussions on governance, democratic institutions, human rights and sustainable development.
The assembly will run until October 9, bringing together parliamentary delegations for discussions and engagements before the conclusion of the 153rd IPU Assembly.