Majority of MPs sworn in as president Museveni appoints justice Kazibwe deputy chief justice

15 May 2026, 11:53 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

A total of 529 legislators are expected to officially enter the books of Parliament as representatives of the people in the 12th Parliament, with today marking the final day of the swearing-in ceremony. By yesterday, the largest number of Members of Parliament (MPs) had already taken their oaths.

Article 79 clauses (1), (2), and (3) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda outlines the functions of Parliament. To enable MPs effectively perform these duties, Parliament organizes orientation sessions for elected legislators to learn parliamentary procedures and operations. Through these orientations, especially for first-time MPs, members are expected to gain knowledge and skills that can guide them throughout their five-year term if well implemented.

According to Article 82 of the Constitution, Parliament must have a Speaker and Deputy Speaker who preside over parliamentary sittings and perform other official duties.

It is against this background that many MPs sworn in on Wednesday and yesterday declined to publicly comment on whom they would support for the position of Speaker. This follows remarks by the Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Hon. Kabanda, who said the chairman of the pressure group had instructed members to vote for whoever would be endorsed by the chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Gen. Yoweri Museveni.

Additionally, MPs including Zahrah Luyirika of Makindye West from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Norbert Mao from the Democratic Party (DP), as well as legislators from the NRM, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and independent members, pledged to work tirelessly for the well-being and development of their constituents.

Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Moses Kazibwe Kawumi as the Deputy Chief Justice and Agnes Alum as the Chief Registrar.