KAMPALA, Uganda — July 6, 2026 — Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has expressed confidence that Uganda’s 12th Parliament has the potential to become the country’s best-performing legislature, citing the qualifications, enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by newly elected Members of Parliament during their induction.
Tayebwa made the remarks while officially closing a five-day induction programme for MPs at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where legislators underwent orientation on parliamentary procedures, legislation, oversight, budgeting, ethics and leadership before the House begins full business.
“I have been following the induction programme. I must tell you, I think you are going to make the best Parliament that we have ever had,” Tayebwa said.
“You have the capacity. I have read through the CVs of the Members we have and compared them with those of past Parliaments. I have heard the questions that you have been asking and engaged with many of you. I see how you are ready to learn, to ask difficult questions, and you are also ready to follow your clear mandate.”
The Deputy Speaker urged legislators to focus on ensuring that government programmes translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, saying effective service delivery would strengthen public confidence in both Parliament and government.
He challenged MPs to take a more active role in monitoring the implementation of projects funded through the national budget, particularly those related to roads, water, education and wealth creation.
“My district, Mitooma, was receiving over Shs300 million. The President directed, Parliament supported and Shs1 billion was added, but I have not heard people saying the budget has improved when it was tripled,” Tayebwa observed.
He urged legislators to regularly visit their constituencies to verify how public funds are being spent.
“Go to the districts and ask where the money for roads is. Ask why boreholes are not repaired when every district receives money for water. If you use government programmes to deliver services, people will feel that you care for them,” he said.
Reflecting on the work of the 11th Parliament, Tayebwa praised its achievements in passing legislation, approving government budgets and conducting oversight, but called on members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to play a more active role in holding government accountable.
“The oversight committees are led by the Opposition, but the majority of the members are NRM. The hard questions should be asked by all people,” he said.
He also appealed to the Prime Minister and the Government Chief Whip to ensure ministers coordinate with area MPs whenever implementing government programmes in constituencies.
“There is no minister who should visit a constituency without informing the area MP. There is no government programme that should be taken to the constituency without involving MPs because that money is appropriated by Parliament,” Tayebwa said.
During the closing session, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige encouraged lawmakers to strike a balance between their demanding public responsibilities and their personal wellbeing.
“When they say you can gain the whole world and lose your life, it means you can gain the title of Member of Parliament but at the end of 10 years you have no home and no family,” Mwesige told the legislators.
Drawing from his own experience in public service, Mwesige revealed that the pressures of leadership had at one point contributed to him developing a brain tumour, from which he has since recovered. He urged MPs to prioritise their health and family life throughout their parliamentary careers.
The health and wellness session was facilitated by State Minister for Primary Health Care Charles Ayume, who acknowledged the demanding schedules faced by political leaders.
“Ever since I became a State Minister, I mostly eat in the morning and the second meal is in the evening because you are moving from one meeting to another,” Ayume said.
Ayume also informed MPs that the government-funded Heart Hospital in Naguru is expected to be completed by June 2027, a development he said will ease pressure on the Uganda Heart Institute at Mulago National Referral Hospital by expanding access to specialised cardiac care.
The week-long induction programme brought together experienced legislators, government officials and technical experts to equip members of the 12th Parliament with knowledge on legislative procedures, committee work, public finance management, ethics, oversight and leadership as they prepare to begin the new parliamentary term.
