LIST: Most Active and Quiet NUP MPs So Far

A review of parliamentary proceedings covering May, June and July has revealed differences in how National Unity Platform (NUP) legislators participated in plenary debates, with a small group accounting for frequent interventions while 20 of the party’s 48 MPs made no recorded contribution during the three-month period.

The key roles of a Ugandan MP are representation of the people, lawmaking and approval of the budget, as well as oversight and accountability.

Members of Parliament in Uganda are responsible for representing the interests and concerns of the people they serve. They are expected to raise issues affecting their constituencies, present citizens’ views during parliamentary debates and bring community challenges to the attention of relevant government officials. Through this role, MPs serve as a link between citizens and the government, ensuring that public concerns are considered in national decision-making and the formulation of policies.

MPs are responsible for debating, scrutinising and passing legislation on matters affecting Uganda’s governance, development, peace and security. They examine proposed laws, debate their implications and vote on legislation before Parliament. They also participate in scrutinising and approving the national budget, examining government spending priorities and authorising taxation and public borrowing in accordance with the law. Through these responsibilities, MPs influence national policy, determine how public resources are allocated and shape the legal framework governing the country.

They are also responsible for holding the Executive accountable and scrutinising the performance of government institutions. They examine government policies and programmes, question ministers and public officials, investigate concerns about public expenditure and demand explanations regarding the management of public resources. Through parliamentary debates, committee proceedings and other oversight mechanisms, MPs help monitor the implementation of government programmes, identify weaknesses in public service delivery and promote transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money.

This report looks at the number of times MPs spoke in parliament.

It is based on the review of Hansard, Parliament’s official record of proceedings.

It does not look at issues like engagement with constituents or participation in committee work.

The first category of most active MPs is that of opposition leadership in parliament. By virtue of their roles, Joel Ssenyonyi — Nakawa West MP and Leader of the Opposition; as well as Paul Mwiru — Jinja South Division East MP and Opposition Chief Whip, made frequent submissions.

The second category is that of NUP MPs who spoke 10 times and more between May and July in the 12th Parliament.

They are: Joseph Ssewungu — Kalungu West MP, Patrick Nsamba Oshabe — Kassanda North MP, Betty Nambooze — Mukono Municipality MP, Charles Tebandeke — Bbaale County MP, Betty Ethel Naluyima — Wakiso District Woman MP, and Hassan Kirumira — Katikamu South MP.

The third category is that of MPs who spoke at least four times in three months under review.

They are Sheilah Amaniyo Draville — Mukono District Woman MP, Jamali Ayagalachi — Bukooli County MP, Andrew Kaluya Kiiza — Kigulu South MP, Shamim Malende — Kampala District Woman MP, and Robert Maseruka — Mukono South MP.

The fourth category is that of MPs who said no word in the period from May through July 2026.

This category has 20 MPs out of the 48 that NUP has in the 12th Parliament.

They include some first time MPs who are still learning how business is conducted in the House.

The category of the silent (really the silent majority) represents approximately 41.7 per cent of the party’s parliamentary caucus, or more than four in every 10 NUP legislators.

The MPs identified in this category are: Timothy Batuwa Lusala — Jinja South Division West MP, Abubaker Kawalya — Rubaga North MP, Abdallah Kiwanuka — Mukono North MP, David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga — Busujju County MP, Brenda Nabukenya — Luweero District Woman MP, Denes Sekabira — Katikamu North MP, Robert Ssekitoleeko — Bamunanika County MP, and Francis Zaake — Mityana Municipality MP.

Others are: Jimmy Kanaabi — Buikwe South MP, Ali Kasirye Nganda — Makindye East MP, Hakim Kizza Sawula — Bukoto South MP, Abedi Nasser Mudiobole — Iganga Municipality MP, Moses Musanje — Njeru Municipality MP, George Musisi — Kira Municipality MP, Hussein Muyonjo — Jinja North Division MP, and John Odwori — Kagoma North County MP

Returning MPs who the Hansard shows said no word include Kawalya, Kiwanuka, Kalwanga, Nabukenya, Sekabira, Ssekitoleeko and Zaake.

The first-term MPs identified as quiet in the months under review included Kanaabi, Kasirye Nganda, Sawula, Mudiobole, Musanje, Musisi, Muyonjo and Odwori.

You can the list of MPs in the 12th Parliament and read about their salaries and allowances Here and There.