Parliament Approves Jessica Alupo as Vice President

KAMPALA - Parliament has unanimously approved the appointment of Maj. (rtd) Jessica Alupo as Vice President of Uganda for the 2026–2031 term as required under the Constitution.

The House sitting held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, approved Alupo’s appointment by a vote of 325 MPs in favour, 18 against, while four members abstained.

Sheema South Ephraim Kamuntu, who is also the newly-elected Internal Affairs minister, moved the motion seeking Parliament’s approval of Alupo’s appointment by President Yoweri Museveni.

Kamuntu said Article 108 of the Constitution provides for the appointment of a Vice President by the President subject to approval by a simple majority of Parliament.

He said Alupo meets all the constitutional qualifications for the office, including being a Ugandan citizen and a registered voter with the required academic qualifications.

Kamuntu described Alupo as an experienced leader, retired army officer, legislator and public servant, who has served Uganda in different capacities.

“She has been tried and tested. She has served as Vice President, minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for four terms. She has demonstrated the ability to manage complex responsibilities and deliver results,” Kamuntu said.

Alupo, the Woman MP for Katakwi District and member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, was born in 1974 and has served as Uganda’s second female Vice President after Specioza Kazibwe.

Kamuntu said Alupo holds qualifications in international relations, diplomatic studies, political science and religious studies, and that she is currently pursuing a PhD (doctorate) in Peace and Conflict Studies at Makerere University.

He said Alupo has received several awards for leadership and public service and described her as a humble, disciplined and result-oriented leader.

Sheema South Ephraim Kamuntu, who is also the newly-elected Internal Affairs minister, moved the motion seeking Parliament’s approval of Alupo’s appointment by President Yoweri Museveni. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth informed MPs that he had received official communication from President Museveni regarding Alupo’s appointment.

Under Article 108 of the 1995 Constitution, the President appoints the Vice President subject to approval by Parliament.

Oboth-Oboth pledged to serve Parliament diligently and urged MPs to prepare adequately for House business.

“I will empower you all to execute your mandate of representation,” he said.
He called for humility and orderly conduct during parliamentary proceedings and pledged to promote evidence-based legislation.

Before the sitting began, Parliament experienced delays after microphones in the chamber developed technical problems.

“I apologise for the delay. The microphones were not working due to short-circuiting. When I asked you to stand as I left, I returned and found you still standing,” Oboth-Oboth said.

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth informed MPs that he had received official communication from President Museveni regarding Alupo’s appointment. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), raised concern over the sitting arrangement in the chamber, saying many NRM legislators had occupied seats traditionally reserved for opposition members.

Nambooze cited Rule 9(5) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which guides the sitting arrangement in the chamber.

She said the right-hand side of the Speaker is traditionally reserved for the ruling party and government business, while the left-hand side is reserved for the opposition.

In response, Oboth-Oboth said guidance on the sitting arrangement would be provided after the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of Government Business.