By Caroline.N
Uganda’s newly elected Members of Parliament have officially begun taking the oath of office, ushering in the country’s 12th Parliament and marking another significant milestone in the nation’s democratic transition following the swearing-in of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his seventh term.
The swearing-in exercise commenced on Wednesday, 13 May, at Parliament in Kampala, where more than 500 legislators are expected to take both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Member of Parliament during a three-day process scheduled to run until Friday, 15 May. The exercise is being conducted in alphabetical order as organised by the Clerk to Parliament.
The ceremony is a constitutional requirement under Article 81(4) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which mandates that elected Members of Parliament must take the oath before officially assuming office. Without taking the oath, legislators are not permitted to participate in parliamentary proceedings, debate legislation or vote on national matters.
The event attracted family members, political supporters and senior government officials who gathered at Parliament to witness the occasion. Several returning legislators and newly elected representatives described the moment as an opportunity to renew their commitment to serving Ugandans and addressing pressing national concerns.
Among those sworn in on the first day were senior government officials who retained their parliamentary seats, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Vice President Jessica Alupo and First Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali.
Following the oath-taking ceremony, legislators are expected to complete registration processes, including official documentation and photography before assuming their duties.
The 12th Parliament is expected to immediately begin addressing critical national priorities such as passing legislation, scrutinising the national budget and overseeing government programmes aimed at improving service delivery and economic growth.
