news 10 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
MPs Forced to Squat as Stalled Parliamentary Chambers Cause Seating Crisis
Severe seating shortages in Uganda's Parliament have led to MPs sitting on the floor and in public galleries, intensifying scrutiny over the delayed Shs220.2 billion new chambers project. Speaker Oboth has announced a 'free seating' arrangement to manage the overflow. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/oboth-orders-free-seating-as-stalled-roko-chambers-leave-mps-squatting-on-floor-5491216
Members of the 12th Parliament are grappling with a significant seating shortage, forcing many legislators into unconventional positions such as occupying the floor, standing in doorways, or squeezing into the public gallery during sessions. This overcrowding is a direct consequence of the Parliament’s expansion to over 529 members, far exceeding the capacity of the original colonial-era chamber designed for approximately 80 people.
The “first-come, first-served” seating policy has further exacerbated the issue, with ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party members frequently occupying available seats on the opposition side due to the sheer volume of legislators.
In response to the dire situation, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth announced a “free seating” arrangement for plenary sessions on June 10, 2026. This directive allows MPs to sit on either side of the House, with the exception of front benches designated for ministers and shadow ministers, aiming to alleviate the immediate congestion.
This seating crisis has put the spotlight back on the stalled construction of the new parliamentary chambers, a project valued at Shs220.2 billion and contracted to Roko Construction Company. Despite commencing in July 2017, the project remains incomplete, raising concerns about budget allocations and contractor performance.
Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has been a vocal critic of the project’s extensive delays, questioning its status as a “bottomless pit” and the continued expenditure on rented office spaces while the new chambers remain unfinished. Ssenyonyi had previously suggested halting funds for the project due to accountability concerns and the slow progress by Roko.
Following these persistent complaints, Speaker Oboth mandated the Clerk to Parliament to provide a detailed status report on the stalled project within two weeks, a directive issued after a plenary session on May 28.