Nebbi district woman mp elect Pheona Nyamutoro ( left) seated next to her husband Eddy Musuza

By: editor

The swearing-in of Members of Parliament-elect for Uganda’s 12th Parliament concluded on Friday at Parliament in Kampala, marking the official beginning of a new legislative term dominated by both experienced politicians and fresh faces.

The final day of the exercise saw 175 legislators take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Member of Parliament, bringing to completion the three-day ceremony that officially ushered in the country’s 12th Parliament.

The exercise, presided over by Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige, attracted relatives, supporters, political leaders, and dignitaries who gathered at Parliament grounds to witness the historic transition.

Among the notable leaders sworn in on the final day was Nebbi district woman Mp elect, Pheona Nyamutoro, outgoing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who retained his Ruhinda North County seat in Mitooma District. State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza also took oath alongside several returning and first-time legislators.

The new Parliament will comprise 529 lawmakers, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) commanding the majority after securing 372 seats. The National Unity Platform (NUP) follows with 49 legislators, while 68 MPs entered Parliament as Independents. Other political parties represented include the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and the Democratic Party (DP).

The conclusion of the swearing-in exercise now sets the stage for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker later this month before the House formally begins legislative business.

The 12th Parliament is expected to tackle key national issues including service delivery, poverty alleviation, accountability, and economic transformation over the next five years.

The ceremony also reflected the changing face of Uganda’s politics, blending veteran lawmakers with youthful first-time MPs expected to shape debate and policy in the country’s highest legislative institution.