By James Alomu

Ngora County Member of Parliament, Juliet Achayo Lodou, has been elected to Uganda's delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a prestigious appointment that will see her represent the country on one of the world's leading platforms for parliamentary diplomacy.

Achayo was elected alongside Nathan Byanyima, Challa Elma Kapel, Brenda Nabukenya, Evelyne Ninsiima and Norah Bugirwa to form Uganda's six-member delegation to the global parliamentary body.

The election marks another significant milestone in Achayo's parliamentary career, reinforcing her growing influence in legislative diplomacy both within Africa and on the international stage.

Before joining the IPU delegation, Achayo served as one of Uganda's representatives to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), where she participated in debates and policy discussions on governance, regional integration and development across the African continent. Her transition from the Pan-African Parliament to the Inter-Parliamentary Union expands her responsibilities from continental affairs to global parliamentary engagement.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the world's oldest and largest organization of national parliaments, bringing together legislators from across the globe to promote democracy, peace, dialogue, human rights and cooperation among nations. Through its assemblies and committees, the IPU provides a platform for lawmakers to address pressing global issues, including climate change, gender equality, youth empowerment, conflict resolution, sustainable development and accountable governance.

As a member of Uganda's IPU delegation, Achayo will participate in international parliamentary assemblies and committee meetings, where she will help articulate Uganda's positions on key global and regional matters. The delegation is also expected to strengthen cooperation with legislators from other countries, promote Uganda's interests abroad and share international best practices that can contribute to improving legislation, oversight and representation back home.

For Ngora District, Achayo's appointment is a moment of pride, placing one of its elected leaders on a global platform where decisions and discussions influence parliamentary practice and international cooperation. Her election also underscores the increasing role of Ugandan legislators in shaping debates on governance and development beyond the country's borders.

The new delegation is expected to begin representing Uganda at forthcoming IPU assemblies and engagements, carrying the country's voice on issues affecting both the region and the international community while advancing parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening Uganda's presence in global legislative affairs.