Swearing-in of 12th Parliament continues as UPC urges better service delivery

14 May 2026, 10:23 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the expiration of the 11th Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, as provided for under Article 77(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which states that “Subject to this Constitution, the term of Parliament shall be five years from the date of its first sitting after a general election,” the swearing-in of 527 elected Members of Parliament from various constituencies, districts, municipalities, and special interest groups commenced yesterday at Parliament Grounds in Kampala. The ceremony was presided over by the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige Kasaija.

The Members took two oaths: the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament/Office. The oaths read in part:

“I, ____ , swear in the name of the Almighty God/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Uganda and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. [So help me God.]”

and

“I, ____ , swear in the name of the Almighty God/solemnly affirm that I will give faithful service to this Parliament and support and uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as by law established. [So help me God.]”

Several Members of Parliament who took the oath pledged to work diligently for their respective constituencies. These included Hon. Jesca Alupo, Woman MP for Katakwi District; Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, MP for Kinkizi County East; Hon. Jeje Odongo Abubakhar, MP for Orungo County; Hon. Anita Annet Among, Woman MP for Bukedea District; Hon. Silas Aogon, MP for Kumi Municipality; Hon. Emmanuel Wepukhulu of Bulambuli County; Hon. Wilfred Babanga of Terego West; and Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo of Budiope East, among others. The MPs represented various political parties as well as independents, with a total of 184 Members sworn in on the first day.

During the weekly press briefing held in Kampala, the spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Congress, Sharon Ayach, urged the 12th Parliament to prioritise service delivery to Ugandans.

“Let us be Members of Parliament who concentrate on national unity and service delivery to the people of Uganda,” she said.

The party also raised concerns about the morals and integrity of Members of Parliament, stating that these must improve if corruption is to be effectively fought—one of the government’s key priorities in this term.

The swearing-in exercise continues today and is expected to conclude tomorrow, 15 May 2026.