Parliament Constitutes Committees and Appoints Backbench Commissioners

The Parliament of Uganda has completed a significant step in its operationalization by constituting all its committees and designating Members of Parliament (MPs) to various parliamentary and international bodies. This crucial process, overseen by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday, 07 July 2026, lays the foundation for the 12th Parliament to actively engage in its legislative duties, oversight, and representative roles.

Key leadership positions within several standing committees have been filled. Hon. Patrick Oshabe Nsamba will chair the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government), with Hon. Sarah Lwansasula as his deputy. The Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline will be led by Hon. Fred Ruhindi, assisted by Hon. Abdu Swaibu Kampanya. Further appointments include Hon. Amos Kankunda to lead the Budget Committee and Hon. Jane Avur Pacuto heading the Committee on National Economy.

Other standing committees will be steered by Hon. Catherine Lamwaka (Equal Opportunities), Hon. Francis Zaake (Government Assurance and Implementation), Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi (COSASE), and Hon. Betty Bakireke Nambooze (Public Accounts Committee - Local Government). A newly formed Committee on Subsidiary Legislation, tasked with scrutinizing statutory instruments, will be led by Hon. Jennifer Mujungu.

Sectoral committees, responsible for overseeing specific government ministries and agencies, also saw their leadership confirmed. Hon. Amelia Kyambadde will chair the Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Committee, while Hon. Boniface Okot takes charge of Tourism, Trade and Industry. The Health Committee will be led by Hon. Julius Rude Monday, and Education and Sports by Hon. Cuthbert Abigaba and Hon. Emmanuel Ongierthor.

In addition to committee roles, four Backbench Commissioners were elected to the Parliamentary Commission. These commissioners, who will contribute to the administration and strategic direction of Parliament, are Hon. Susan Jolly Abeja, Hon. Faith Nakut, Hon. Jessica Ababiku, and Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe.

Uganda’s representation to international bodies was also finalized, including delegations to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the Organisation of East African Cooperation, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the African, Caribbean and Pacific/European Union Parliamentary Assembly, and the Pan African Parliament.

These appointments and committee formations mark a pivotal moment, enabling Parliament to promptly commence its work of processing Bills, scrutinizing government finances, examining reports, and conducting vital oversight across the nation. The committee system remains the bedrock of Parliament’s detailed legislative and financial review processes.