JUST IN!! Museveni To Preside Over Election Of Speaker – Here’s Why

President Yoweri Museveni and the Chief Justice of Uganda are set to jointly preside over the historic opening sitting of the 12th Parliament on Monday, marking the formal commencement of a new legislative term that is expected to shape the country’s political and governance direction over the next five years.

According to the official Order Paper, the First Meeting of the First Session of the 12th Parliament will begin at 10:00am with the arrival of President Museveni at Parliament, setting in motion a tightly scripted constitutional and parliamentary process that will culminate in the election of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House.

The opening sitting is widely viewed as one of the most significant procedural events in Uganda’s parliamentary calendar, as it not only ushers in newly elected lawmakers but also determines the leadership that will steer legislative business, manage debate, and interface directly with the Executive.

Once proceedings formally begin, the House will immediately move into one of its most critical agenda items: the nomination of candidates for the position of Speaker of Parliament. This stage will allow Members of Parliament to present and second candidates, formally putting forward contenders for the influential post that presides over all parliamentary business.

After nominations, candidates will be required to officially accept their nomination in line with parliamentary procedure before MPs proceed to a vote. The entire process is expected to be conducted under strict adherence to the Rules of Procedure governing the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

“The election of the Speaker [will be] presided over by the Chief Justice,” the Order Paper notes, underscoring the constitutional importance and judicial oversight embedded in the process to ensure transparency and legitimacy.

Before voting begins, the Clerk to Parliament will read Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure, which outlines the legal framework and step-by-step guidelines for conducting the election. This procedural reading is intended to reinforce order, clarity, and compliance among lawmakers as they prepare to cast their ballots.

Following the conclusion of voting and the declaration of results, President Museveni will administer the oath of office to the newly elected Speaker in accordance with Article 82(10) of the Constitution and the Second Schedule of the Oaths Act. The moment is traditionally regarded as both ceremonial and symbolic, as it formally empowers the Speaker to assume authority over the legislative arm of government.

In addition to the oath, the President will also hand over instruments of power to the new Speaker, marking the official transfer of parliamentary authority. The Speaker is then expected to immediately assume the Chair and deliver their first official communication to the House, signaling the start of parliamentary business under new leadership.

After the Speaker’s installation, Parliament will proceed to the election of the Deputy Speaker. The process will mirror that of the Speaker’s election, including nominations, acceptance by candidates, voting by Members of Parliament, and the announcement of results.

As with the Speaker, President Museveni will administer the oath of office to the newly elected Deputy Speaker and formally hand over instruments of authority. The Deputy Speaker will then be expected to address the House, outlining initial remarks at the beginning of their term.

The President is later expected to deliver closing remarks at the end of the sitting, officially concluding the opening session and marking the full activation of the 12th Parliament.

The event has already drawn significant political attention, with intense interest surrounding both leadership contests. Analysts say the outcomes of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker elections are likely to influence not only the internal dynamics of Parliament but also the broader legislative agenda, including relations between Parliament and the Executive over the coming years.

With the stakes high and political alignments under close watch, Monday’s sitting is expected to set the tone for a new chapter in Uganda’s parliamentary history.