OCPD team learns modern law-drafting systems
UK: LEGAL drafting experts from the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman (OCPD) have undertaken a study tour in the United Kingdom to learn about modern systems and technologies used in legislative drafting and law revision. This is part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and strengthen legal services in the country.
The visit formed part of the implementation of OCPD’s strategic plan, which seeks to build professional capacity through international training, experience sharing and strengthening regional and global collaboration.
Speaking upon arrival, OCPD Acting Director of the Division of Law Revision, Research and Training, Ms Rehema Katuga, described the visit as transformational, noting that it offered the team a new perspective on the role of technology in improving legal services.
“We witnessed firsthand how modern systems simplify legal work, particularly in record management and access to legal information for the public. We have returned home with a renewed vision to initiate continuous training for legal drafters and to harness technology to boost operational efficiency,” Ms Katuga said.
OCPD Acting Head of Quality Assurance Bavoo Junus noted that the team observed how the UK invests heavily in human resources through structured in-house training programmes for junior legislative drafters.
“Our counterparts have a strong mentorship system where experienced drafters guide new recruits for a year or more. This has built a solid foundation of expertise and enhanced the overall quality of legislative drafting,” said Mr Junus.
He further explained that the UK’s Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is organised into four teams, each with specific responsibilities and leadership structures, a model that promotes collective accountability and reduces over-reliance on any single individual.
According to the Acting Head of ICT at OCPD, Mr Alfred Nyaronga, one of the innovations they were impressed with was a digital platform used in the UK for preparing, amending and consolidating laws, known as lawmaker.
“Lawmaker is a revolutionary system. It enables stakeholders from ministries, parliament, the drafting office and the government printer to collaborate on a single digital platform. A bill can be drafted, reviewed, amended and passed into law step by step within this system,” Mr Nyaronga said.
He added that the system also allows for automatic consolidation of amended laws, enabling citizens to easily access the most up-to-date versions of legal texts, thereby enhancing transparency and promoting access to justice.
During the ten-day tour, the delegation also participated in the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel (CALC) European Regional Conference held in London. They further visited the UK Parliament, both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, where they learned about parliamentary debate procedures, the legislative process and the historical evolution of the UK’s legal democracy.
