A total of 527 Members of Parliament are now set to commence legislative business under the 12th Parliament, following the conclusion of a successful three-day swearing-in ceremony on Friday, 15 May 2026.
The ceremony was marked by glamour, colour and excitement at the Parliament grounds, as MPs-elect arrived to take their oaths accompanied by selected jubilant family members, friends and supporters.
Only 130, or less than a quarter of the 527 members, are legislators returning from the 11th Parliament;, whereas the 397 others are comprised of members joining the Legislature for the first time including MPs representing special interest groups like the youth, elderly, workers and the UPDF; as well those who served in previous Parliaments and have made a come-back.
Among these is Hon. Nobert Mao (DP) representing Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City, who last served in the sixth and seventh parliaments, which ended in 2006. He has been ex-officio member and Minister of Justice. Hon. Chrispus Kiyonga (NRM), who is representing Bukonzo County West in Kasese District, last served in the ninth Parliament.
Others include Hon. Beatrice Rwakimari (NRM, Ruhaama County), Hon. Paula Turyahikayo (NRM, Rukungiri District), Hon. Charles Ngabirano (Ind., Rwampara East County, Hon. Genensio Tumuramye (NRM, Kashongi County) and Hon. James Kakooza representing Older Persons (Central Region); all who last served in the 10th Parliament.
Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi and Hon. Ofwono Opondo P'Odel are some of the new faces in the 12th Parliament, also representing Older Persons from the Western and Eastern regions respectively, alongside Hon. Catherine Mavenjina (Older Persons, Northern) and Hon. Waako Joy Peggy (Older Persons, Female) who are serving a second term.
Representing the Workers in Parliament are three new entrants including Hon. Gilbert Agaba, Hon. Fiona Nakku and Hon. Annet Birungi; who will serve alongside Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara and Hon. Margaret Rwabushaija that are continuing from the 11th Parliament.
Out of the ten UPDF representatives, the House has seven new members including Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Maj. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga, Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa, Brig. Gen. David Gonyi, Col. Christine Nekesa, Col. Sylvia Meeme and Col. Knight Ikiriza. The new MPs join Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Lt. Gen. Samuel Kavuma and Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko who have been serving in the 11th Parliament.
For the five MPs representing Persons with Disabilities, all but one – Hon. Robert Ssewagudde, have returned for another term.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, commended the previous House for its excellent performance in supporting all programmes of government, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“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. We also passed the Organ Donation and Transplant Law, which has enabled us to start performing critical surgeries that were being handled out of Uganda. I do hope the 12th Parliament is going to build on that,” Tayebwa said.
Following her swearing-in on Thursday, 14 May 2026, Hon. Fiona Nakku said among her key targets for this term is to push for a salary review board that will enhance the remuneration of employees at the workplace, whereas Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi committed to be a strong voice for the elderly in Parliament.
Hon. Laura Kanushu, representing Persons with Disabilities said she aims at emboldening their voice on the floor of the House.
“In this new term, my focus will be to ensure increased budgetary allocation for persons with disabilities and push for the operationalisation of laws protecting the disabled,” said Kanushu.
Buvuma Islands County MP, Hon. Robert Migadde, who is also the chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary SACCO, advised new MPs to stay away from exploitative money lenders and embrace saving groups.
Kazo Woman MP, Hon. Molly Kamukama, who is a new entrant in the 12th Parliament, pledged to prioritise citizen-focused budgets and fighting corruption; whereas Hon. Dr. Patrick Wakida, the new representative for Kabweri County, pledged to use his knowledge and experience in research and economics to steer data-driven legislation to inform economic decisions.
Only one legislator, Hon. Michael Bukenya (NRM, Bukuya County), did not appear for the swearing-in event, and is expected to take his oaths at a later date.
Celebrations outside Parliament
Outside the precincts of Parliament, crowds of supporters accompanying legislators over the three-day event filled the area with excitement, blowing vuvuzelas and whistles while chanting the names of their respective MPs, drawing public attention to the activities at the country’s national Legislature.
Traffic flow was not interrupted during the period, as traffic police officers stood at hand to guide motor and pedestrian movements along Parliament Avenue.
Security also kept intact around Parliament, ensuring that individuals going about their everyday activities were left unworried of the ever converging crowds of supporters.
After the swearing-in of members, the first sitting of the 12th Parliament is scheduled for 25 May 2025 to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament. This sitting is presided over by the Chief Justice, of a Judge designated by the Chief Justice.
