Tayebwa promises smart technology in new parliamentary chambers
He said the new chambers, whose construction began nine years ago, are being designed to meet the needs of a modern digital parliament. He added that the system will improve operations and strengthen attendance monitoring in a House where absenteeism has remained a concern.
Tayebwa promises smart technology in new parliamentary chambers
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Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has pledged that Parliament’s new chambers will be completed by December 2027, saying they will be fitted with modern technology to improve efficiency and accountability.
He made the remarks while officiating at a five-day induction for Members of Parliament (MPs) at Speke Resort Munyonyo on July 4, 2026.
He said the new chambers, whose construction began nine years ago, are being designed to meet the needs of a modern digital parliament. He added that the system will improve operations and strengthen attendance monitoring in a House where absenteeism has remained a concern.
“The new chambers are going to come with new technology, and by December next year they shall be done. So, we shall be having new technology in terms of voting systems, being able to monitor and log in automatically, all that was incorporated. I hope we shall have a modern parliament in the future,” said Tayebwa.
About the chambers
However, the completion timeline has remained uncertain over the years.
During a plenary sitting on July 7, 2022, Bukhooli Central MP Solomon Silwany raised concerns over the financial burden of rented offices and the safety risks posed by MPs crossing busy roads between Parliament and the rented premises.
“I want to inform you that, at Kingdom Kampala alone, we are spending sh8 billion renting. Honourable members renting Queens Chambers, we are spending about sh3.9 billion (annually). All this money is going on rented premises,” Silwany disclosed.
According to sources, Parliament has been allocated sh21.1 billion for rehabilitation works out of a sh1.23 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
Using the same platform, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa also addressed concerns from MPs who accuse presiding officers of favouritism when selecting members to contribute during parliamentary debates, saying there are unwritten rules that guide the process.
“It depends on you as a person. Do you want to remain seated and say, 'me if I stand up twice and the Speaker doesn’t catch my eye; it means the Speaker doesn’t like me'?” he posed.
He added that experience, timing and expertise also influence selection.
“I look at you; have you just entered the house? There are MPs who enter the house, and within five seconds, they are standing up. But I have colleagues who have been here since morning, so I must give them the first opportunity," he said.
"There are MPs who are experts in certain areas. For example, Mr Protazio (Ndorwa East MP), if it is an issue of audit, as a Speaker, I pick on that member to tap into his experience to guide the House. Because, as a Speaker, I don’t participate in debate.”
“If I have an issue of a military nature, Gen. Rwashande here will play a very critical role. I can even sometimes call on him and say, General, can you guide the house? That’s how we work in the house,” Tayebwa emphasised.