In a significant development during the plenary sitting on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, four new Members of Parliament officially assumed their roles, marking a pivotal moment in Uganda's political landscape. Presided over by Deputy Speaker, the Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the ceremony saw the swearing-in of the new parliamentarians, each pledging to uphold their duties with integrity and dedication.
The proceedings commenced with Dokolo District Woman MP, Hon. Sarah Aguti, taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament, representing the UPC ticket. Aguti's commitment to delivering authentic representation resonated as she stepped into her new role, succeeding the late Rt. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, who passed away in January 2024.
Following Aguti's oath, Hon. David Ochwa assumed office as the Agule County MP, filling the vacancy left by Polycarp Ogwari. The transition was prompted by a recent Court of Appeal ruling, which nullified Ogwari's nomination for the 2021 general elections, thus necessitating a new representative for the constituency.
Additionally, Kenneth Omona, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, and Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs), took their oaths as ex officio members. Their appointments to Cabinet on March 21st, 2024, elevated them to parliamentary roles, reinforcing their commitment to serving the nation.
While Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro, the State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals), and Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Trade), were also appointed to Cabinet, they did not partake in the oath ceremony. As elected Members of Parliament, their ministerial roles did not require a separate swearing-in ceremony.
In her remarks, Hon. Balaam Barugahara pledged unwavering service to Uganda, while Kenneth Omona expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Parliament after a prolonged absence. Hon. Phionah Nyamutooro, on the other hand, commended the President for recognizing the potential of Uganda's youth in leadership, vowing to leverage natural resources for the country's development.
With these inductions, the 11th Parliament now boasts 556 Members of Parliament, each tasked with representing their constituencies and contributing to Uganda's socio-political progress. As the nation moves forward, the collective efforts of its parliamentarians are poised to shape the trajectory of Uganda's future.
From the new members, some were first time members of parliament following by-elections in the ir respective constituencies whereas the others were legislators that were appointed Ministers. Additionally, others like Gen. Mbaddi served in other areas of Government and a One Balaam was a political attaché of the NRM government in the entertainment industry.
