From the 28th of May to the 5th of June 2026, the National Assembly of Seychelles had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from the Parliament of Uganda for a five-day benchmarking visit, aimed at sharing experiences, exchanging best practices, and strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation. The delegation was comprised of Senior Librarian Ms. Mildred Assimwe, and Records Officer Ms. Judith Akello.
The delegation paid a series of Courtesy Calls and working meetings with key office holders, including the Deputy Speaker Hon. Egbert Aglae, the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Bernard Georges, the Leader of Government Business Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel, and the Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure. These engagements offered valuable insights into the structure and leadership of the National Assembly, as well as day-to-day operations and procedures of the institution. The delegates were taken on a tour within the Parliament, where they had the opportunity to interact with all departments and learn first-hand about the various functions of the Parliamentary Service. A highlight of the programme was the chance to observe a live Sitting of the House, giving the delegates a representative view of parliamentary proceedings and procedures.
As part of the benchmarking exchange, the Parliamentary Education and Information Office, led by Information Centre Manager Ms. Thelma Joseph and supported by Documentation Assistant Ms. Petra Tirant, shared an overview of its mandate alongside the broader functions of Parliament. The discussions allowed both counterparts to compare operational approaches and identify lessons that could benefit each institution, fostering a productive dialogue on public outreach, civic education, and information services. Beyond the parliamentary programme, the visit also included organised excursions to the National Museum and the National Library, offering the delegation a deeper appreciation of the nation's heritage and culture. Speaking on the exchange, Ms. Joseph commented that “Benchmarking visits of this kind play a vital role in the growth and modernisation of legislative institutions. By observing how counterpart Parliaments organise their work, manage their administration, and engage with the public, delegations are able to draw practical lessons, adopt proven innovations, and avoid common pitfalls.”
The fruitful visit concluded positively, reaffirming the strong spirit of collaboration between the two Parliaments, and laying the groundwork for continued cooperation in the future.
