Politics 1 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Roster System Proposed to Combat Minister Absence in Ugandan Parliament
Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama has suggested a mandatory attendance roster for ministers in Parliament to address chronic absenteeism that hinders legislative work. This initiative aims to hold ministers accountable for their presence during crucial parliamentary sessions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nakadama-proposes-roster-system-to-tackle-minister-absenteeism-in-parliament-5480772
Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama, has put forth a proposal to implement a mandatory attendance roster for ministers in Parliament. This measure is intended to tackle the persistent issue of absenteeism, which frequently disrupts the legislative process and delays government business. The proposed system would clearly outline which ministers are expected to attend parliamentary sittings on specific days, establishing a mechanism for accountability.
“We want to have a roster where we shall be putting names of ministers that are supposed to appear in Parliament so that when they don’t appear for three times we report them to the appointing authority,” Nakadama stated after her vetting by the Appointments Committee. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are not stalled due to the absence of key government officials.
This proposal follows similar sentiments expressed by Second Deputy Prime Minister Crispus Kiyonga, who pledged to collaborate with fellow ministers to enhance attendance and support the Prime Minister’s role as Leader of Government Business. The issue of ministerial absenteeism has been a long-standing grievance among lawmakers, with many complaining about unanswered questions and stalled legislative agendas.
Former Speaker Anita Annet Among had also frequently called out ministers for their failure to attend plenary sessions. The discussions surrounding attendance come as newly appointed ministers undergo vetting for President Museveni’s 2026-2031 cabinet. The Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth, is expected to complete this vetting process over four days.
In related news, Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through accessible financing, while newly appointed Innovation Minister Jonard Asiimwe highlighted the central role of innovation across all sectors.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)