MPs turn up in big numbers as orientation starts

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The three-day orientation programme for Members of the 12th Parliament kicked off on Tuesday at the parliamentary south parking lot.

This follows the election of the Speaker, Jacob Oboth-Oboth and deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, during the first sitting held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Monday.

“At the commencement of each parliamentary term, a thorough onboarding programme is conducted to assist newly-elected MPs in adapting to their roles. This initiative aims at acquainting members with the institutional culture, legislative framework and organisational structure of the House, ensuring they are well-versed with the systems and practices of their working environment,” a statement from Parliament said.

In his welcoming remarks on day one of the orientation, the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, urged the new members to participate keenly in this orientation programme to facilitate their operations and execution of their constitutional mandate.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa officially opened the orientation week. He warned the new MPs against exerting financial pressures on presiding officers, urging them to manage their finances well to avoid burdening others.

“Do not look at the Speaker as a moving ATM. There are times when I would fear coming to office because I do not have sh5m or sh10m [for members],” he said.

“Each one of us is paid a salary, and we need a well-refined system that helps and benefits all of us.”

There are 529 MPs elected to the 12^th parliament. Of these, 372 members belong to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), National Unity Platform (NUP) has 50 MPs, Uganda People's Congress (UPC) 11 MPs, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) eight MPs, Democratic Party (DP) six MPs, People's Front for Freedom (PFF) two MPs, and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) one MP. There are 68 independent MPs, many of whom are considered sympathetic to the ruling NRM party.