By Joyce Namutebi
and Apollo Mubiru

THERE was foot stamping and ululation as Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Atim Ogwal yesterday took the same seat she used to occupy about four months ago in the Seventh Parliament.

The NRM and opposition MPs fervently fought over Ogwal and two other women MPs who also won as independents.
This was at the swearing-in ceremony of 10 new women MPs in the Parliamentary Chambers. The sitting was presided over by Speaker Edward Ssekandi.

Another independent, Concy Aciro (Amuru), also opted to sit on the opposition side, while NRM managed to attract only one independent, Grace Namara of Lyantonde.

Other MPs sworn in were Lydia Kibwika Nyago (Namutumba), Margaret Achilla Aleper (Kotido) wife of former MP for Jie John Roberts Achilla, Pherry Kabanda (Budaka), Beatrice Mpairwe (Buliisa), Beatrice Amongi Lagada (Oyam), Oliver Wonekha (Bududa and Rose Okullu Akol (Bukedea). Aachilla watched from the gallery as his wife took the oaths.

Most of the NRM women MPs came wearing yellow flowery gomeses. They were accompanied to the Chambers by beaming ministers and backbenchers.