KAMPALA — Parliament has approved the appointment of Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, clearing the way for her to continue serving in the country’s top government coordination role.
The approval was made during the 2nd Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 1st Session of the 12th Parliament on Thursday, May 28, 2026, chaired by Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth.
Lira City Woman MP and Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, moved the motion for Nabbanja’s approval pursuant to Article 108A(1) of the Constitution.
While presenting the motion before the House, Dr. Aceng praised Nabbanja’s leadership and performance during her previous tenure as Prime Minister.
“During her tenure as Prime Minister, Nabbanja oversaw exemplary performance in the discharge of Government Business before the 11th Parliament,” Dr. Aceng said.
She further described Nabbanja as “a pioneering and inspirational leader,” noting that she made history as Uganda’s first female Prime Minister.
Nakawa East MP Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi also supported the motion, describing Nabbanja as a “versatile and effective Prime Minister” who had successfully coordinated government business in Parliament.
However, debate on the motion was not without concerns from legislators. Kalungu West MP Hon. Joseph Ssewungu urged Nabbanja to address the persistent issue of absenteeism among ministers during parliamentary sittings.
Ssewungu asked the Prime Minister to ensure ministers regularly attend plenary sessions and adequately respond to matters raised by Members of Parliament.
Nabbanja first assumed office as Prime Minister in June 2021 under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s administration, becoming the first woman in Uganda’s history to hold the position.
Over the years, she has played a central role in coordinating government programmes, supervising Cabinet business in Parliament, and overseeing implementation of government policies across ministries and agencies.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Nabbanja served in various government positions, including State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties and earlier as State Minister for ICT.
A longtime legislator representing Kakumiro District Woman Constituency, Nabbanja has remained a prominent figure within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Her approval comes as the government begins settling into office following the recent general elections and the commencement of the 12th Parliament.
With Parliament’s endorsement now secured, Nabbanja is expected to formally continue her duties as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business as government finalises the transition into the new term.
