LAW: Nothing Can Be Done in Parliament Before Election of New Speaker to Replace Late Jacob Oulanyah

MPs will have to first elect a new speaker to succeed late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah before any parliamentary business is conducted.

Speaker Oulanyah died on March 20, 2022. (Read Story Here).

His body is expected to be flown into the country in coming days. It is expected to be brought to Parliament where a special sitting will be held to pay tribute to the former speaker.

But that special sitting, or any other business, is supposed to be presided over by the speaker. With Oulanyah’s death, this position automatically became vacant.

According to Article 82(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda “no business shall be transacted in Parliament other than an election to the office of Speaker at any time that office is vacant.”

This means that a new speaker will have to be elected before the special sitting to honor Oulanyah.

Regarding how long it should take before a new speaker is elected after the seat has become vacant, article 82(6) of the Constitution says: “An election to the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall be held at the first sitting of Parliament after that office becomes vacant.”

According to article 82(5), “The Chief Justice or a Judge designated by the Chief Justice shall preside at an election of a Speaker…”

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