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Members of Parliament-elect braved early morning rains in Kampala on Thursday as Uganda entered the second day of the swearing-in ceremony for the 12th Parliament, formally ushering in a new legislative term amid growing public expectations on accountability, governance reforms and service delivery.
The exercise, taking place at Parliament of Uganda, began on Wednesday and is expected to conclude on Friday, with all elected legislators required to take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Member of Parliament in line with Article 81(4) of the Constitution.
According to the Office of the Clerk to Parliament led by Adolf Mwesige Adol, more than 150 legislators were expected to take oath on Thursday following the swearing-in of 184 Members of Parliament on the opening day. By Thursday morning, at least 84 MPs had already taken oath.
Among the first legislators sworn in were Brian Kapyagon, Karim Musa, George Kasajja, Ali Nganda Kasirye, Kasukaali Methuselah, Mercy Kanyesigye, Echodu Calvin and Elma Kapel Challa.
The ceremony also saw the return of several veteran politicians to the House, including Matia Kasaija, Jim Muhwezi, Laura Kanushu, Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Hassan Kirumira, Crispus Kiyonga and Sam Kavuma.Hassan
The mix of youthful first-time legislators and experienced political figures highlighted the evolving composition of the 12th Parliament, with several lawmakers already outlining priorities expected to shape legislative debate over the next five years.
Speaking shortly after taking oath, Kawalya Abubakar pledged to strengthen parliamentary oversight on public expenditure and accountability. He said Parliament must ensure taxpayers’ money is managed transparently and responsibly amid ongoing public concerns about corruption and misuse of public resources.
Meanwhile, Laura Kanushu said her focus would be on advancing the rights of persons with disabilities through increased funding and enforcement of disability protection laws. Her remarks drew attention to Uganda’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020.
Ali Nganda Kasirye of Makindye East Division urged leaders to move beyond political contestation and focus on service delivery, pledging to prioritize installation of solar lighting in underserved communities.
The emphasis on infrastructure and constituency services reflects growing voter expectations for legislators to balance national oversight responsibilities with local development demands.
The 12th Parliament begins its term amid increased scrutiny over its independence, effectiveness and oversight role under Articles 79 and 90 of the Constitution. Governance observers have repeatedly questioned whether Parliament has adequately checked executive power, especially on issues relating to public debt, governance reforms and accountability
The House is expected to address major national issues including unemployment, healthcare financing, education reform, climate resilience, infrastructure development and implementation of the Parish Development Model.
Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma urged Ugandans to take advantage of what he described as a stable political environment to improve productivity and household incomes.
As the swearing-in exercise concludes Friday, attention is expected to shift to the election of parliamentary leadership, formation of committees and the legislative agenda that will shape Uganda’s governance trajectory over the next five years.
SOURCE: URN
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