KAMPALA, Uganda — A total of 159 Members of Parliament were absent from the opening sitting of Uganda’s 12th Parliament on Monday, despite many having earlier taken part in swearing-in ceremonies.
Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija confirmed that only 370 legislators attended the session at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, meaning nearly 30 per cent of the 529-member House missed the key sitting that elected the new Speaker.
President Yoweri Museveni presided over the sitting, underscoring the political weight attached to the transition of parliamentary leadership.
The low turnout immediately drew attention within political circles, with speculation emerging over whether the absences reflected political positioning ahead of the Speaker vote or were linked to logistical and procedural challenges during the transition.
Some MPs, speaking privately, suggested the absences could signal subtle alignment shifts within the House, while others cautioned against drawing conclusions without verified explanations, noting that travel and administrative delays may have affected attendance.
Also Read: Jacob Oboth-Oboth elected Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament
The sitting proceeded without former Speaker Anita Annet Among, who did not attend the function. It was not immediately clear whether she was formally excused.
Among is currently the subject of a corruption investigation, with her Nakasero residence reportedly under security surveillance involving police and military personnel.
Despite the explanations offered by observers, the absence of nearly a third of legislators at such a critical parliamentary moment is expected to dominate political discussions in the coming days as the 12th Parliament begins its term.
