Kampala, Uganda: Parliament of Uganda on Friday concluded the swearing-in of Members of the 12th Parliament, with a total of 527 legislators taking oath during a three-day exercise held at Parliament in Kampala ahead of the commencement of the new legislative term.
The colourful ceremony, presided over by Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige, began on Wednesday, May 13, and ended today, May 15, attracting newly elected MPs, ministers, diplomats, relatives, supporters and political leaders from across the country.
According to parliamentary records, 184 Members of Parliament took the oath on Wednesday, followed by 174 legislators on Thursday, before the final batch of 169 MPs was sworn in by close of business on Friday.
Out of all the elected legislators expected to take the oath, only one MP-elect, Michael Yiga Bukenya (Bukuya County), did not turn up for the exercise by the close of the official swearing-in programme. Parliament officials did not immediately provide details regarding his absence.
Additionally, an extra slot (Kalangala Woman MP) also remained vacant at the time of swearing, after the death of its occupant, the late Hon Helen Nakimuli, who passed on last month before taking the oath.
Despite the completion of the exercise, the total composition of the 12th Parliament is still expected to rise from 527 to 529 members following an upcoming replacement election for the Kalangala District Woman representative.
The swearing-in officially paves the way for the beginning of Uganda’s new parliamentary term, with the first sitting of the 12th Parliament scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026.
Throughout the three-day swearing-in exercise, Parliament grounds remained vibrant with cultural performances, celebrations, media engagements and family photo sessions as legislators formally began their new five-year mandate.
Many MPs used the occasion to outline priorities ranging from poverty alleviation and service delivery to youth employment, healthcare, infrastructure and wealth creation.
But the attention will now shift to the highly anticipated election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, positions that have already triggered intense political lobbying, internal negotiations and growing speculation within the ruling National Resistance Movement and opposition camps.
The Speakership race has, in recent days, dominated national political debate following public endorsements, internal party consultations and emerging divisions over who should lead the House for the next five years.
Among the names heavily discussed for the Speakership is West Budama Central MP, Hon Jacob Marksons Oboth, whose candidature gained momentum after public backing from the Chief of Defence Forces and Patriotic League of Uganda Chairman, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Incumbent Speaker Anita Annet Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, whose chances of retaining the positions are now very minimal, are also at the centre of ongoing political discussions as the ruling party prepares to guide its caucus ahead of the decisive May 25 vote.
The 12th Parliament is expected to play a central role in shaping Uganda’s political and economic direction over the next five years amid growing public debate over governance, accountability, service delivery and constitutional reforms.
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