Parliament is today expected to swear in four Cabinet ministers as ex-officio Members of Parliament, formally granting them the mandate to participate in debates and government business in the 12th Parliament.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place during the House sitting at Parliament in Kampala, where the ministers will take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Member of Parliament.
Ex-officio MPs are Cabinet ministers who sit in Parliament by virtue of their positions in government. Although they do not possess voting rights, they are permitted to debate, present government policies, respond to legislators’ questions and participate in committee activities.
The ministers expected to take oath are Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation; Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister for Information, National Guidance and National Unity; David Bahati, State Minister for Industry; and Dr Monica Musenero, Minister for Energy and Mineral Development.
According to Parliament officials, the ceremony will follow the standard “Administration of Oaths” procedure during the House sitting, shortly after prayers and the Speaker’s communication.
A senior Parliament official said the inclusion of ex-officio MPs is intended to strengthen coordination between the Executive and the Legislature.
“Ex-officio MPs bring technical expertise into the House. Since they are ministers, they can directly explain government programmes, answer questions from legislators and move government business without relying on elected MPs to sponsor it,” the official said.
Political analysts say the presence of the four ministers is expected to strengthen government’s capacity to steer key legislation, particularly in sectors such as science, energy, industry and innovation, which remain central to Uganda’s development agenda.
Dr Monica Musenero is expected to play a significant role in upcoming parliamentary discussions, including debates surrounding the Solar Powered Irrigation Systems Phase II loan proposal.
A source close to the ministry said her presence in Parliament will help provide technical clarity on matters concerning energy and mineral development policies.
Justine Kasule Lumumba, who previously served as NRM Secretary General and Bugiri Woman MP, returns to Parliament in a Cabinet capacity. She has previously maintained that ex-officio membership helps bridge communication between government and lawmakers.
Eng. Jonard Asiimwe and David Bahati are also expected to contribute to debates on industrialisation, innovation and value addition as government advances its economic transformation agenda.
A Parliament spokesperson described the swearing-in as a constitutional requirement that formalises ministers’ participation in legislative proceedings.
“The swearing-in of ex-officio members is a constitutional requirement. It formalises their role in Parliament and ensures Cabinet has a direct voice in legislative debates,” the spokesperson said.
With the four ministers joining the House, government is expected to strengthen its presence in parliamentary debates as the 12th Parliament begins handling critical policy and budget matters.
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