Kampala, Uganda
The newly elected lawmakers have gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala for the first sitting of the 12th Parliament, where Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to elect a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker to lead the country’s legislature for the next five years.
The historic sitting, presided over in accordance with constitutional and parliamentary procedures, marks the formal commencement of the 12th Parliament following the recent general elections.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrived at the venue to witness the proceedings, underscoring the significance of the leadership elections for one of Uganda’s most important state institutions.
From early morning, lawmakers from across the country converged at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the inaugural sitting.
According to Parliament of Uganda, the agenda for the day includes the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, positions that play a central role in overseeing legislative business, maintaining order in the House, and representing Parliament in national and international affairs.
The election follows the end of the tenure of outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among and former Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who led the 11th Parliament during a period marked by significant legislative activity, political debate, and national policy reforms.
The Speaker of Parliament is the third-highest-ranking official in Uganda’s order of precedence after the President and Vice President. The office is responsible for presiding over parliamentary sessions, interpreting parliamentary rules, and ensuring the smooth functioning of legislative processes.
The Deputy Speaker assists in managing parliamentary business and presides over sittings in the Speaker’s absence.
The leadership elected today will guide Parliament through critical debates and legislation affecting governance, economic development, public services, and national accountability over the next parliamentary term.
The race for parliamentary leadership has attracted significant attention in recent weeks following major political developments.
Outgoing Speaker Anita Among announced that she would not seek re-election for the Speakership, stating that her decision was intended to promote unity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Her withdrawal opened the field for new contenders and intensified consultations within political parties and parliamentary caucuses.
The National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s largest opposition party, has already endorsed Jinja South East MP Paul Mwiru as its candidate for Speaker, while the ruling NRM has been engaged in internal processes to determine its preferred candidates for the top parliamentary positions.
The 12th Parliament consists of directly elected constituency MPs, district woman representatives, representatives of special interest groups, and ex-officio members.
The lawmakers assembled at Kololo represent all regions of Uganda and are expected to shape the country’s legislative agenda during the new parliamentary term.
The first sitting also serves as an opportunity for newly elected legislators to formally assume their parliamentary responsibilities.
President Museveni’s attendance at the ceremony reflects the constitutional importance of Parliament’s opening session and the election of its leadership.
Although the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected independently by MPs through a vote, the positions often attract considerable political interest because of their influence over the legislative agenda and parliamentary administration.
The President’s presence at Kololo follows a series of consultations within the ruling party ahead of the leadership elections.
Once elected, the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker will immediately assume office and begin overseeing parliamentary proceedings.
The leadership team will be responsible for organizing parliamentary committees, guiding legislative debates, and supervising the administration of Parliament.
The commencement of the 12th Parliament comes at a time when Uganda faces a range of issues including economic growth, infrastructure development, public accountability, healthcare challenges, and regional security concerns.
As lawmakers cast their votes at Kololo, the outcome of the leadership elections is expected to shape the tone and direction of Uganda’s legislative politics for years to come.
