Microphones fail as MPs fill chambers to capacity during first sitting

KAMPALA - In a rare scene at Parliament, the parliamentary chambers were filled to capacity on Thursday as Members of Parliament (MPs) streamed in for their maiden formal sitting of the 12th Parliament.

Despite free sitting, where legislators do not have to sit according to whether they belong to the opposition or government side, many were left standing on the floor due to limited sitting space.

Unlike the relaxed and spacious atmosphere at the inaugural sitting held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Tuesday, when MPs met to elect the speaker (Jacob Oboth-Oboth) and the deputy speaker (Thomas Tayebwa),  today’s session carried a more tense and procedural mood.

Despite free sitting, where legislators do not have to sit according to whether they belong to the opposition or government side, many were left standing on the floor due to limited sitting space. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

 
At Kololo, MPs sat freely under open tents as they elected the Speaker and deputy in an atmosphere marked by excitement and celebration.

Inside Parliament, however, the sitting was disrupted before business could begin. The session, which had been scheduled to start at 2:00pm, was delayed after microphones in the chamber reportedly failed to function properly.

Speaker Oboth-Oboth entered the chamber at about 2:30pm but shortly afterwards moved out alongside the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, as technicians worked to resolve the sound system problem.

The delays came as MPs prepared to handle critical business, including the approval of Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and members of the Appointments Committee who will vet the newly-appointed cabinet ministers.

After 30 minutes, Oboth-Oboth returned to the chambers and attributed the failure of the microphones to a short circuit.

The motion to approve the Vice President was presented by the Sheema South MP and newly-appointed Internal Affairs minister, Ephraim Kamuntu.