A vibrant and celebratory atmosphere engulfed the Parliament of Uganda as a total of 270 Members of Parliament-elect took oath over the first two days of the swearing-in exercise ahead of the commencement of the 12th Parliament.
The ceremony, presided over by Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige, attracted family members, political supporters, aides, and cultural performers who turned the parliamentary grounds into a blend of official protocol and public celebration.
Traditional performances by the Crane Performance cultural troupe featuring drums, adungu, xylophones, and dances from different regions of Uganda entertained guests between the oath-taking sessions.
Wednesday’s opening session saw 184 legislators sworn in, while another 86 members took oath on Thursday morning, bringing the total to 270 so far.
Despite a morning drizzle on day two, the ceremony continued uninterrupted as music and cheers echoed around Parliament.
Among the first MPs sworn in on Thursday were Frank Tumwebaze, representing Kibale East County, Amos Kankunda Kibwika of Rwampara County, Stephen Kangwagye of Bukanga County, and Laura Kanushu, representative for Persons with Disabilities.
UPDF representatives James Kinalwa and Samuel Kavuma also took oath during the morning session.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among used the occasion to thank Ugandans for entrusting leaders with public office and urged legislators to focus on service delivery and the needs of ordinary citizens.
“As you heard the message yesterday, this is ‘Kisanja Hakuna Kulala’ [a term of no sleep]. We must work for wanainchi and concentrate on what affects local people,” Among said.
She also praised the outgoing 11th Parliament, describing it as one of the most representative legislatures Uganda has ever had.
“The 11th Parliament has been a very good Parliament. We have done a lot of work and I can tell you it is one of the most representative parliaments we have ever had,” she added.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who was also sworn in as Kakumiro District Woman Representative, credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for shaping her political journey.
“I am what I am because of the President. He identified me when I was still a young woman at the age of 26,” Nabbanja said.
She emphasized that fighting poverty through the Parish Development Model (PDM) would remain a major focus during the new parliamentary term.
Newly sworn-in MPs outlined a range of priorities, with many promising to tackle poverty, improve household incomes, and strengthen service delivery.
Lillian Aber said her focus would be on promoting agriculture and commercial farming in Kitgum District.
“The most important thing is that my focus is on agriculture because that is the backbone of my people,” Aber said.
She noted that she would continue mobilizing farmers into coffee growing and value addition initiatives while attracting investors to spur industrialization.
Beatrice Akello Akori said NRM legislators would continue consolidating Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda started during the 11th Parliament.
“The journey we started in 2021 is what we want to consolidate in 2026,” Akello said.
Workers’ Representative Annet Birungi pledged to prioritize legislation on minimum wage for Ugandan workers.
Meanwhile, Anne Adeke Ebaju of the FDC said the 12th Parliament should openly discuss political transition in Uganda.
Veteran legislator Rebecca Kadaga said she would continue pursuing industrialization, infrastructure, and education projects in Kamuli District.
“We are just continuing the work we have been doing, especially on construction and industrial development,” Kadaga said.
She also welcomed President Museveni’s “Kisanja no sleep” message, arguing that leaders must respond to concerns raised by voters during campaigns.
Long-serving legislator Chris Baryomunsi pledged to continue advocating for safe water access, healthcare, decent housing, education, and wealth creation initiatives.
The swearing-in exercise continues until Friday, May 15, 2026, ahead of the first sitting of the 12th Parliament scheduled for May 25.
