If Teachers Need Licenses, Why Not Politicians? Expanding Professional Standards to Parliament - Wabusimba Amiri.

Many professions, like teaching, require severe licensing and certification systems to guarantee that individuals have the appropriate skills, knowledge, and ethics to carry out their obligations responsibly. But what about those who create the laws and policies that govern our society? If we expect high standards and responsibility from teachers, doctors, and other professions, shouldn't MPs be held to the same standards? This raises a crucial question: should politicians be required to have licenses and official qualifications, just like other critical sectors?

The proposed licensing body for teachers represents a strong commitment to elevating educational standards. By requiring a degree, the government seeks to ensure that educators are not only knowledgeable but also possess the practical skills needed to effectively guide and inspire future generations. This focus on education underscores its critical role in shaping Uganda’s future and highlights the broader necessity for similar standards across other professions.Teachers play a crucial role in societal development, but they are not alone in needing stringent oversight. Journalism, for example, significantly influences public opinion and democracy. In countries like the United States, where formal licensing is rare, ethical standards and self-regulation attempt to maintain journalistic integrity. However, the rise of misinformation underscores the need for formal mechanisms to ensure that media professionals adhere to high ethical and professional standards. Licensing could provide a framework for accountability, helping restore public trust and uphold journalism as a pillar of democracy.

The agricultural sector in the European Union illustrates the benefits of professional licensing. EU agricultural professionals must adhere to various regulatory frameworks that ensure safety and quality. Licensing bodies oversee certifications for practices such as organic farming and pest control, which enhance industry standards and consumer protection. Similarly, Singapore's approach to professional licensing in IT and banking provides valuable insights. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) enforces strict standards in financial services to maintain stability and protect consumers, while IT professionals must obtain certifications and follow industry standards. The security sector, including police and private security firms, could greatly benefit from professional licensing. Licensing could ensure that personnel meet high standards of competence and ethics, potentially reducing misconduct and enhancing public trust in security services. 

Introducing licensing to politics and other sectors invites reflection on the role of regulation in democratic societies. While licensing in politics must be approached carefully to avoid stifling democratic participation, it is worth considering how similar frameworks could improve transparency and accountability in political processes. Professional licensing could ensure that individuals in key roles uphold high standards of integrity and competence, fostering greater public trust and enhancing governance quality.Beyond immediate benefits of improved quality and accountability, professional licensing bodies across different sectors could offer significant fiscal advantages for the government. Licensing fees and regulatory oversight could generate additional revenue that could be invested in public services and infrastructure, supporting national development. In combating corruption, a well-regulated licensing system could reduce opportunities for unethical behavior by enforcing standards and accountability.

The proposal to establish a professional licensing body for teachers is a transformative step toward improving educational standards. Extending this model to other professions such as journalism, agriculture, IT, banking, politics, and security could yield numerous benefits. In particular, in the political realm, it is crucial that lawmakers adhere to professional standards. Lawmakers should not be in a position to create laws they do not fully understand or enforce, nor should they set qualifications they themselves do not meet. Professional licensing in politics could ensure that those crafting and implementing laws have the necessary expertise and integrity to make informed decisions that serve the public interest. By implementing rigorous standards across these fields, Uganda can develop a more competent, transparent, and accountable governance system, better equipped to meet its citizens' needs