Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula on Wednesday met with the National Chiefs Forum Welfare led by their National Chairman Walter Obuchele.
The meeting underscored the vital role chiefs and elders play in maintaining security and social cohesion at the grassroots level.
In an engagement at the Parliament Buildings, Wetang'ula acknowledged the indispensable security contributions of local leaders.
He assured them of his unwavering support in legislative matters.
"I have assured them of my support on legislative matters touching on the effectiveness and delivery of their work," he stated.
The Speaker also committed to back the forum's upcoming nationwide sensitisation campaign set for July 2024.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical responsibilities of chiefs and promote community engagement in law enforcement and social stability.
During the meeting, he also challenged the chiefs to continue providing efficient and effective services to maintain law and order.
"I challenged the leaders to guard the social fabric of our nation as well as the environment which has largely been affected by human interference,” he said.
Chiefs in the country play a crucial role in the decentralised system of governance.
They often act as the first point of contact for local disputes and community issues.
Their involvement in security matters extends to mediation, conflict resolution, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies.
This grassroots approach is pivotal in maintaining peace and order, particularly in rural areas where formal security presence may be limited.