Parliament Organizes Internal Structures as 12th Parliament Takes Shape.
The 12th Parliament convened this afternoon to organize its internal working structures, with key designations to committees and international bodies taking center stage on the Order Paper.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa presided over his maiden sitting in the Chair, thanking Members of Parliament for electing him to the position. “There are many much better than me at doing this job but you chose me,” Tayebwa told the House, before congratulating Ministers who made it to Cabinet.
Key Committee Designations
Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng designated former Speaker Anita Among (Bukedea District Woman Representative) to the Committee on Government Assurance and Implementation. The Committee is responsible for following up on government promises, undertakings, and commitments made on the floor of Parliament, ensuring they are acted upon.
In a notable development, the Opposition designated Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality) as Chairperson of the same Committee, while Anna Adeke (Soroti Woman MP) was designated as Vice Chairperson.
Meanwhile, the NRM made significant changes to the Budget Committee, dropping Moses Magogo (Budiope East), who had served on the committee for the past five years, and Patrick Isiagi (Kachumbala County), who is an uncle to former Speaker Anita Among. Magogo has been redesignated to the Human Rights Committee.
Parliamentary Delegations to International Bodies
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa read out proposed delegations to international parliamentary bodies, including:
· Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
· Organisation of East African Cooperation (OIC)
· Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
· ACP/EU Platform
These bodies form part of Parliament’s external engagement and parliamentary diplomacy work.
Progress on New Chambers
Tayebwa provided an update on the construction of new parliamentary chambers, noting that Parliament has received a progress report currently under review by the Speaker. “We are putting them under pressure. The progress these days has been good because we had to use other methods of paying subcontractors directly so that work could move. We promise that by the end of next year, the chambers should be ready,” Tayebwa assured the House.
Concerns Raised in Parliament
Ugandans Detained in Thailand
Soroti City Woman MP Joan Acom Alobo raised concern over three Ugandans reportedly imprisoned in Thailand after being recruited for external labour. Alobo stated that the three were recruited by an external labour agency to work in Thailand but later ended up in prison under unclear circumstances. The matter raises questions about how Ugandan workers are cleared, protected abroad, and followed up when external labour arrangements go wrong. Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng promised to engage the line Minister to address the matter.
Road Infrastructure in Masaka
Sarah Babirye Kityo, MP for Bukoto East, asked government to fix the Buzirango–Bwajja–Kabasese road in Masaka, noting that the road serves more than eight villages but becomes difficult to cross during rainy seasons. Kityo highlighted that school children are most affected as they must cross flooded sections to access school. “In the dry season, boats are parked and spoiled. In the rainy season, we buy boats,” she told Parliament, asking government to provide a flyover or raised crossing on the road.
Weather Forecast Updates
Minister Beatrice Anywar asked Parliament to allocate time on the Order Paper for the Environment docket to update the country on weather forecasts. Anywar noted that the Ministry periodically gives forecasts on expected rains and droughts, with guidance on precautions citizens should take.
Tensions in Amudat
Hon. Cheutich, Amudat District Woman MP, raised concern over tensions between the Pokot community and Pian-Upe Game Reserve. She stated that rules meant to guide coexistence between the community and the park are no longer working as seasons change. “The order of the day has become arresting people and impounding animals. This is very sad,” Cheutich told Parliament, asking the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to intervene urgently.
Cases of Missing Persons
Joel Ssenyonyi raised multiple cases of individuals reportedly detained without being produced in court. He named Amos Lwangomani, who was detained in August 2025 and whose family has been searching for his whereabouts since then. Ssenyonyi also raised the case of Sam Mugumya, who he says was detained for several months without being produced in court. He further asked government to account for Christopher Godi, who has now spent close to three months missing after being picked up by military personnel in Kamwokya.
Ssenyonyi noted that Margaret Etilu has since been released, but emphasized that Godi remains unaccounted for. “These people have got to be accounted for,” he told the House, adding that if the State has an issue with any person, it should act within the law.
Medical Interns Update
Ssenyonyi appreciated the Government Chief Whip for following up on issues he previously raised, including medical interns and persons he says were abducted. He noted that the Vice President had promised follow-up on these matters, and he later received correspondence showing the Government Chief Whip had written to different Ministers. However, Ssenyonyi pressed for responses, particularly regarding whether medical interns’ facilitation will continue, stating that the proposed review of their facilitation is problematic.
The House continues with its business of designating MPs to Standing and Sectoral Committees, electing Backbench Commissioners, and selecting Members to the Pan-African Parliament. Today’s sitting will determine who scrutinizes government in committees, who helps run Parliament internally, and who represents Uganda in regional and global parliamentary spaces.
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