527 MPs Sworn In as Uganda’s 12th Parliament Officially Commences

A total of 527 Members of Parliament have officially commenced legislative business under Uganda’s 12th Parliament following the conclusion of a three-day swearing-in ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The colourful event, held at Parliament grounds in Kampala, attracted excitement and celebration as MPs-elect arrived accompanied by family members, friends and supporters to take their oaths of allegiance and office.

Out of the 527 legislators, only 130 are returning members from the 11th Parliament, while 397 are entering the House for the first time. The new intake includes representatives of special interest groups such as the youth, workers, older persons and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), as well as former legislators making a political comeback.

Among the returning former legislators is Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party, representing Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City. Mao last served in the sixth and seventh parliaments before becoming Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Also returning is Crispus Kiyonga, now representing Bukonzo County West in Kasese District, having last served in the ninth Parliament.

Other comeback legislators include Beatrice Rwakimari, Paula Turyahikayo, Charles Ngabirano, Genensio Tumuramye and James Kakooza, all of whom previously served in the 10th Parliament.

New faces in the House include Jacqueline Mbabazi and Ofwono Opondo, representing older persons from the Western and Eastern regions respectively.

The workers’ representatives in Parliament include first-time legislators Gilbert Agaba, Fiona Nakku and Annet Birungi.

Among the 10 UPDF representatives, seven are new entrants, including Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Maj. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga and Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa.

Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa praised the 11th Parliament for supporting key government programmes and passing critical legislation.

“We have also been able to pass critical bills. A very good example is the Petroleum Supply Amendment Bill, which has brought security of fuel supply to the country,” Tayebwa said.

Following her swearing-in, Fiona Nakku said she intends to advocate for the establishment of a salary review board to improve workers’ remuneration, while Jacqueline Mbabazi pledged to champion the interests of the elderly.

Laura Kanushu, representing Persons with Disabilities, said her focus would be on increasing budgetary allocations and strengthening implementation of laws protecting persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Buvuma Islands County MP Robert Migadde advised new legislators to avoid exploitative money lenders and embrace saving groups through the Uganda Parliamentary SACCO.

Kazo Woman MP Molly Kamukama pledged to prioritise citizen-focused budgets and the fight against corruption, while Kabweri County representative Patrick Wakida promised to promote data-driven legislation informed by research and economics.

Only one legislator, Michael Bukenya of Bukuya County, did not appear for the swearing-in ceremony and is expected to take the oath at a later date.