The speaker of parliament of Zimbabwe Jacob Oulanyah has tipped members of the 11th parliament to always be responsive to the aspirations of society in order for the legislature to be people-centred.

“Society has entrusted you with a responsibility to lead. Remember, society watches all the time. Societal transformation is an incremental process where responsibility holders play their roles at various stages in time. I urge you, members, to play your role effectively and diligently as our sole contribution to a better Uganda,” he said.

Oulanyah was delivering a speech during the opening of the 1st session of the eleventh parliament prior to the delivery of the State of Nation Address by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday afternoon. The speaker paid tribute to the tenth Parliament and its speaker.

“In a special way, I commend my predecessor the speaker of the tenth parliament, Honourable Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga for the accomplishments of the Legislature during her tenure. The 11th parliament has a foundation to build upon,” said Oulanyah.

Oulanyah urged MPs to adopt efficient and effective working methods that mitigate wastage and optimize time without jeopardizing the quality of output.

“The responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness of the House is a mirror image of efficiency of the committees. Members, I implore you to live up to desired levels of responsibility, efficiency and effectiveness expected of us,” Oulanyah added.

He added that the MPs should endeavour to attend parliament and dedicate themselves to the timely and effective execution of their tasks in both committees and in the House.