Deputy Prime Minister Gen Moses Ali’s swearing-in ceremony was a bit private compared to other MPs of the 12th Parliament.
The swearing-in ceremony for Uganda’s 12th Parliament got underway today at Parliament of Uganda, ushering in a new legislative term just a day after Yoweri Museveni took oath for another term in office.
The exercise marks a key constitutional milestone, formally transitioning the country from the electoral cycle into active governance as newly elected and returning Members of Parliament assume office.
The ceremony, scheduled to run from May 13 to May 15, is being conducted in line with constitutional requirements that compel every MP-elect to take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament before executing any official duties.
Without taking the oath, legislators are prohibited from participating in parliamentary business, including debates, voting, and committee work.
More than 500 legislators are expected to take oath over the three-day exercise. The group comprises constituency representatives, district woman MPs, and members representing special interest groups such as the army, youth, workers, and persons with disabilities, highlighting the broad and inclusive structure of Uganda’s legislature.
Proceedings on the opening day followed a carefully structured programme, with MPs-elect appearing in alphabetical order to ensure a smooth and orderly process. The swearing-in sessions have been divided into morning and afternoon sittings to accommodate the large number of legislators while maintaining procedural efficiency.
At Parliament, the atmosphere blended ceremony with political anticipation, as MPs-elect arrived in formal attire accompanied by a limited number of invited guests, in line with guidelines issued by the Clerk to Parliament. For many first-time legislators, the occasion marked their formal entry into national leadership and decision-making.
SPECIAL MOSES ALI SWEARING-IN
Up to 184 MPs took oath on the first day of the swearing-in of the 12th parliament.
The swearing-in ceremony of the 12th Parliament took an unusual turn for two legislators, Moses Ali and Enos Asiimwe, who were accorded special arrangements during the exercise. Unlike the majority of MPs-elect who took their oath at the main parliamentary pulpit, the two were sworn in from inside the Parliament Conference Hall, marking a clear departure from standard procedure.
Moses Ali, the Adjumani West County MP, was among those granted this exceptional treatment, reflecting his unique circumstances on the day. His oath-taking away from the main chamber drew attention, as it contrasted sharply with the highly structured and uniform process followed by the rest of the legislators. The arrangement underscored the flexibility within parliamentary procedures when handling special cases.
Similarly, Enos Asiimwe, the MP for Kabula County, also took his oath from the Conference Hall after recently surviving a violent attack in Lyantonde District that left him with severe injuries. His condition necessitated an alternative swearing-in setup, ensuring that he fulfilled the constitutional requirement without being subjected to the physical demands of appearing at the main chamber.
In both instances, the oath-taking was presided over by the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, who oversaw the process outside the main setting. The special arrangements for Ali and Asiimwe highlighted Parliament’s accommodation of extraordinary circumstances, setting their swearing-in apart from the rest of the day’s proceedings.
Ugandans have previously told Museveni to retire Gen Moses Ali after he either collapsed or appeared frail and struggled to speak or stand in public, as reported Here, There and Over There.
Gen Moses Ali has previously spoken out on calls for him to retire, even as a Museveni minister said that the 86-year-old would retire in 2036. (See Details Here and There).
The swearing-in exercise also sets the stage for the next crucial phase—the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament. These positions are pivotal to the functioning of the House, with responsibility for presiding over debates, enforcing rules of procedure, and guiding the legislative agenda. The races for these offices are already drawing significant political attention.
Parliament has already set a date for election of speaker and deputy speaker, as detailed Here.
Meanwhile, the IGG has been petitioned to release Anita Among’s wealth declaration details and investigating her after she acquired a Shs3.5bn Rolls Royce. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
