Security and ceremonies defined the opening of the 12th Parliament on Wednesday as Members of Parliament-elect gathered at Parliament for the swearing-in, formally ushering in a new legislative term set to run until 2031.
The usually tight security environment around Parliament was eased by festive scenes as legislators-elect arrived with family members, supporters, and friends, turning the precincts into a vibrant setting of music, photography, and political excitement.
The ceremony opened with performances by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Brass Band, which played both the Uganda National Anthem and the East African Community Anthem, highlighting the national and regional significance of the event.
Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija formally read the presidential proclamation convening the new Parliament and administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Member of Parliament, enabling legislators-elect to officially assume office in line with constitutional requirements.
Under the 1995 Constitution, no elected Member of Parliament is permitted to participate in parliamentary proceedings before taking the prescribed oaths set out in the Fourth Schedule.
In line with tradition, the swearing-in was conducted in alphabetical order, with Kabula County MP Enos Asiimwe Kinywamachunda the first to take the oath, followed by Orungo County MP Jeje Abubakhar Odongo and Rukiga District Woman MP Sylvia Alinaitwe Tumuheirwe.
Other legislators among the first to be sworn in included Lucy Akello, Lillian Aber, Anne Adeke Ebaju, Angella Akoth Nzokire, Julius Achon Bua, Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, Sheilla Amaniyo Driville and Remigio Achia.
Attention also centred on Bukedea District Woman MP and incumbent Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, who arrived accompanied by her husband Moses Magogo, drawing public interest amid speculation about her continued leadership role in the House.
According to the programme from the Office of the Clerk to Parliament, the swearing-in exercise will run over several days and involve all 529 legislators taking their oaths, after which they will complete formal procedures including signing the oath book, biometric registration, and official photography.
The exercise marks the official operational start of the 12th Parliament, which is expected to immediately begin preparations for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker before the President’s State of the Nation Address.
The new Parliament assumes office amid increased public scrutiny over accountability, governance, and oversight of major national programmes including the Parish Development Model (PDM), oil and gas projects, and public debt management.
Security remained visibly tight around Parliament, with controlled access and limited accompanying guests for each legislator-elect. However, special arrangements were made for members with disabilities, who were granted additional assistance in line with parliamentary inclusivity guidelines.
As the new House takes shape, attention now turns to how the 12th Parliament will position itself in relation to executive oversight and public expectations for a more accountable and responsive legislature.
English 