Section
Recent parliament coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
Politics 10 June 2026
Ugandan Parliament is experiencing a palpable shift in atmosphere following the unexpected replacement of Anita Among as Speaker. Staff and legislators report a more open and relaxed environment, with conversations once held in hushed tones now happening freely. Source: https://observer.ug/news/parliament-cheers-anita-among-fall
Politics 3 June 2026
Jacob Marksons Oboth, in his first address as Speaker of the 12th Parliament, has pledged to lead with fairness, diligence, and equity, vowing to empower lawmakers in their roles. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4437/oboth-chairs-maiden-sitting-pledges-fairness-and-equity
Politics 3 June 2026
Members of the 12th Parliament of Uganda have begun the process of electing a new Speaker through a secret ballot, presided over by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija. President Yoweri Museveni is present for this significant first sitting. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4434/mps-voting-speaker
Politics 28 May 2026
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has reaffirmed its leadership within the opposition bloc in Parliament, reappointing Joel Ssenyonyi as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). The party also announced several other key appointments for various parliamentary committees and international bodies. Source: https://observer.ug/news/nup-retains-joel-ssenyonyi-as-leader-of-opposition
Politics 28 May 2026
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has reappointed Joel Ssenyonyi as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, while also unveiling a 30-member shadow cabinet designed to enhance legislative oversight and policy debate. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nup-retains-ssenyonyi-as-leader-of-opposition-unveils-inclusive-30-member-shadow-cabinet-5476516
Politics 28 May 2026
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has strongly advised new Members of Parliament against viewing parliamentary leaders as sources of personal financial aid, urging them instead to embrace financial discipline and uphold the institution's integrity. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4436/new-mps-warned-against-making-speakers-sources-income
Politics 25 May 2026
Despite unifying behind a single candidate for the Speaker of Parliament, opposition parties in Uganda failed once more to leverage their numbers effectively against the ruling NRM party, mirroring past electoral outcomes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/opposition-s-numbers-gamble-fails-again-in-speaker-race-as-calls-for-unity-grow--5473416
Politics 23 May 2026
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially opened nominations for top parliamentary leadership roles, with three MPs vying for Speaker and a crowded field of 16 seeking the Deputy Speaker position. The party's top leadership will now vet all aspirants. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nrm-speakership-race-heats-up-three-mps-battle-for-top-job-as-16-vie-for-deputy-speaker-slot-5470692
Politics 21 May 2026
Laroo-Pece Division MP Norbert Mao has formally requested an audience with President Yoweri Museveni to gain permission to present his case for the Speakership of Parliament before the NRM's Central Executive Committee (CEC). The meeting aims to clarify Mao's intentions as speculation about his withdrawal from the race intensifies. Source: https://observer.ug/news/speaker-mao-seeks-audience-with-museveni-ahead-of-nrm-cec-meeting
Politics 20 May 2026
Political leaders and stakeholders in the Busoga region are advocating for Jinja South East MP Paul Mwiru to be appointed Leader of the Opposition (LoP), believing his legal acumen and parliamentary experience are a better fit for this role than the Speakership. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/busoga-backs-mwiru-for-lop-not-speaker-5466922
Politics 19 May 2026
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has nominated Paul Mwiru as its candidate for Speaker of Parliament, emphasizing his commitment to fighting corruption and upholding parliamentary integrity. The party also called for military officials to remain non-partisan. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nup-unveils-paul-mwiru-for-speaker-says-gen-muhoozi-must-stay-non-partisan-5465506
Politics 19 May 2026
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officially backed Thomas Tayebwa for the Deputy Speaker position in Parliament. This endorsement comes directly from directives issued by President Museveni. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/muhoozi-backs-tayebwa-for-deputy-speaker-5464830
Politics 17 May 2026
Incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa's path to re-election has become complicated following a shift in endorsement from a key political group, opening the door for potential new candidates. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/the-three-names-poised-for-deputy-speaker-race-5463480
Politics 14 May 2026
Several ministers took their oaths as members of the 12th Parliament today, alongside legislators returning after previous terms. Notably, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi was present to support his wife, Jacqueline Mbabazi, who was sworn in as the representative for Older Persons (Western). Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4425/ministers-take-oath-amama-mbabazi-returns-house-highlights
Politics 14 May 2026
Eighty-six Members of Parliament were sworn in on the second day of the 12th Parliament's inauguration, bringing the total sworn in so far to 270. The ceremony proceeded despite a morning drizzle, filling the air with music and a determined spirit. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4424/86-swear-during-cold-morning-day-2-highlights
Politics 13 May 2026
A festive atmosphere marked the commencement of Uganda's 12th Parliament as 184 Members of Parliament-elect were sworn in over three days. The ceremony, presided over by the Clerk to Parliament, featured cultural performances and speeches focusing on service delivery and national development. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4423/184-mps-sworn-12th-parliament-starts
Politics 13 May 2026
The Clerk to Parliament's office has announced that the newly elected Members of Parliament will convene on May 25, 2026, to elect their Speaker and Deputy Speaker. This crucial vote will mark the first official business of the 12th Parliament. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/speaker-deputy-to-be-elected-on-may-25-5457472
parliament 8 May 2026
Uganda's Parliament has passed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, following substantial revisions that narrowed its scope and removed controversial clauses. The amended bill aims to align with constitutional requirements and existing legal frameworks. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4420/parliament-passes-sovereignty-bill
Politics 7 May 2026
Uganda's Parliament has passed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, in its final sitting of the 11th Parliament. The bill, which criminalizes political activities favoring foreign interests, faced strong opposition from some MPs who accused Speaker Anita Among of bias. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-among-delivered-the-sovereignty-bill-5450012
Politics 5 May 2026
Opposition MPs in Uganda raised repeated procedural objections during the tense parliamentary session on May 6, 2026, but were overruled as the Protection of Sovereignty Bill advanced to passage. Led by Joel Ssenyonyi, they struggled with time limits, ignored points, and disruptions amid a packed house dominated by ruling party members. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/silent-struggles-opposition-braved-as-sovereignty-bill-passed-5448578
Politics 4 May 2026
The ruling NRM party has summoned all its MPs to a mandatory special meeting tomorrow morning to align positions ahead of tabling the controversial Sovereignty Bill in Parliament. The session aims to enforce party discipline and resolve any internal disagreements before the afternoon plenary. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nrm-mps-summoned-for-special-meeting-ahead-of-sovereignty-bill-tabling-5447038
Politics 29 April 2026
Uganda's Opposition has dismissed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, as unnecessary and duplicative of existing laws, warning it could stifle democracy and harm the economy. Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and UPC's Francis Ebil urged its withdrawal during parliamentary committee hearings. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4415/opposition-calls-sovereignty-protection-bill-redundant-and-unconstitutional
Politics 28 April 2026
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has written to the Clerk of Parliament requesting that the induction of new MPs for the 12th Parliament be held after electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He argues this prevents bias from outgoing Speaker Anita Among's supporters influencing newcomers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mao-asks-parliament-to-hold-new-mps-induction-after-election-of-house-speaker-deputy-5438422
Politics 28 April 2026
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has written to the Clerk of Parliament requesting a halt to the planned induction of new MPs for the 12th Parliament until after the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He argues that the current facilitators, allegedly loyal to outgoing Speaker Anita Among, could bias the process in her favor amid the ongoing speakership race. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mao-runs-to-clerk-to-stop-quick-induction-of-mps-5439220
Politics 27 April 2026
Uganda's Opposition, led by Joel Ssenyonyi, has dismissed the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 as unnecessary and duplicative of existing laws like the Penal Code Act. They warn it could stifle democracy, harm the economy, and violate constitutional rights with severe penalties. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4415/opposition-calls-sovereignty-protection-bill-redundant-and-unconstitutional
Politics 24 April 2026
Uganda's Parliament Strategic Plan 2025-2030 reveals poor committee performance in the 11th Parliament, with average attendance of just 15 MPs per sitting and insufficient time for thorough scrutiny of bills and reports. Factors like absenteeism, limited resources, party conflicts, and low public input hindered effective oversight. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/how-committees-posted-low-ratings-in-11th-parliament-5435508
Politics 15 April 2026
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has appointed MP Anna Adeke as its new Party Whip, replacing Yusuf Nsibambi who defected to the National Resistance Movement. Speaker Anita Among announced the change in Parliament, referencing a letter from the FDC Secretary General dated March 16, 2026. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4399/fdc-appoints-adeke-party-whip
Politics 15 April 2026
Ugandan MPs have raised concerns over NRM Members-elect wearing army-green uniforms at a training retreat in Kyankwanzi, questioning its legality amid recent UPDF Act amendments. While some defend it as constitutional civic training, the Speaker ruled it outside Parliament's purview. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4400/mps-question-army-attire-mps-elect-training
Politics 13 April 2026
Aspirants vying for Speaker of the 12th Parliament are reportedly canvassing support covertly during the NRM's nine-day retreat at Kyankwanzi, despite party denials and rules against such activities. Lawmakers describe nighttime dormitory visits and side meetings, while some candidates deny involvement. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/aspirants-for-speaker-send-mixed-cues-on-campaigns-5421700
Politics 11 April 2026
Political analysts highlight a fierce contest between Anita Among and Francis Mao for the Speaker position in Uganda's 12th Parliament, set to begin on May 14. The race is drawing significant attention amid shifting political alliances. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/inside-among-mao-fight-for-speakership-5420400
Politics 27 March 2026
Parliament Speaker Anita Among has set up a 20-member verification committee, led by Soroti East MP Herbert Ariko, to vet candidates for the upcoming East African Legislative Assembly by-election on April 15, 2026. The move addresses vacancies created by the election of MPs James Kakooza and Denis Namara to Uganda's 12th Parliament, amid debates on the timing before their official swearing-in. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4317/house-approves-verification-committee-ahead-eala-election
Politics 23 March 2026
As Uganda gears up for the 12th Parliament, the Speaker election raises doubts about whether MPs will independently choose their leader or merely endorse the ruling NRM party's decision. Party influence, despite secret ballots, often overshadows individual judgment in this key race. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/are-mps-choosing-their-speaker-or-confirming-a-party-decision--5399972
Politics 18 March 2026
Newly elected MP for Jonam County, Marshall Alenyo, is positioning himself for the deputy speaker role in the 12th Parliament, leveraging his legal expertise, regional influence, and ties to key political figures. His ambitious strategy could secure a voice for West Nile now or in future rotations. Source: https://observer.ug/news/speakership-why-marshall-alenyos-strategy-for-deputy-speaker-matters