Parliament approves Alupo, Nabbanja appointment and increases Cabinet size

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Parliament on Thursday (May 28, 2026) by simple majority approved the appointment of Vice-President Maj (rtd) Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

The House, chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth, approved a motion to increase the number of ministers from 21, as stated in the Constitution, to 51 for what Nabbanja said was for the purposes of efficient performance of the state.

Approving the two ladies for the converted positions, a total of 325 MPs voted in favour of Alupo, while 320 voted in favour of Nabbanja.

Speaking on the motions for the two ladies, the MPs said they have been tested and proven to be leaders capable of serving in the highest office in the land.

Presenting a motion to approve her appointment, MP Ephraim Kamuntu described Alupo as a leader who has served as Vice President of the Republic of Uganda with dedication, discipline and loyalty to the country.

He said her reappointment by the President is itself evidence that she has been tried, tested and found capable.

“She is a symbol of women’s leadership and empowerment. As the second female Vice President in Uganda’s history, her appointment continues to advance the participation of women in top leadership positions and inspires young women across the country. I want to also tell you members that Hon. Alupo, she is widely recognised for integrity, humility and hard work,” he said.

“Throughout her public service, she has built a reputation as a calm, approachable, disciplined and result-oriented leader who prioritises service to the people above personal interests,” Kamuntu added.

Furthermore, Kamuntu, who had earlier described the latter as a result-oriented person noted that she is as well a patriot who served in the national army, where she attended various military courses.

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

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja

Seconding the motion, Minsa Kabanda (Kampala Central Division, NRM) said Alupo had represented Uganda at international forums including the United Nations and BRICS meetings.

“Approving this motion is a vote of confidence in a leader who embodies teamwork and dedication,” Kabanda said.

Catherine Lamwaka, (Woman MP for Omoro District, NRM) described Alupo as a distinguished leader with a strong military and educational background.

“She is a God-fearing woman who will continue serving the country diligently,” Lamwaka said.

David Calvin Echodu, (Soroti West County, NRM) described Alupo as a humble and dedicated public servant.

Despite the support MP for Bbaale County MP Charles Tebandeke (NUP) cited Rule 86(3) arguing that referring to Alupo’s accomplishments without evidence being laid on the table amounted to anticipatory debate, which is prohibited is prohibited in the House.

“Isn’t it procedurally right that you accord us reasonable time for the mover of the motion to present evidence of whatever is being discussed upon. So, that this House recommends and approves not in abeyance,” Tebandeke implored.

Only to be reminded that the rule he cited was misplaced and immaterial to the matter at hand.

“We are not in anticipation. Because if you were to raise that you should have asked from the communication of the chair. I am the one who said I have received communication from the President,” Oboth ruled.

Nabbanja nomination

In her motion for the nomination of Nabbanja, Lira City Woman MP Jane Ruth Aceng described the Kakumiro District Woman MP as an exemplary performer as far as discharging Government business is concerned.

“Five legislative programs were presented, 82% of the total bill indicated in the legislative programme were introduced, 96% of motions were submitted, 99% of Prime Ministers questions were responded to, 95% of questions to Ministers were responded to, 97% of questions for oral answers were responded to, 93% of Ministerial Statements were presented, 98% of action taken reports by Ministers of resolutions or recommendations of Parliament were tabled and 100% of Treasury Memoranda were submitted,” Aceng said.

“She has been a pioneering and inspirational leader. She is the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Uganda. She received global recognition and was declared the 2023/24 African Female Leader of the Year award from the African Leadership Organisation and the Global Women Leadership award in New York for advancing socio-economic development and gender equality in Uganda,” she added.

Further stressing that during her tenure, Nabbanja oversaw the timely and efficient delivery of Government programmes, including the COVID-19 response initiatives, such as relief cash to indigent Ugandans, wealth creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), among others.

Buyaga West legislator Dennis Namara (NRM) said Nabbanja has great experience in international and regional leadership. Her capacity to guide international policy is validated by her chairing the United Nations Africa Regional Forum on sustainable development among other international involvements,” Namara noted.

Summing he observed that Nabbanja is an astute hard worker, reason why in the Bunyoro region she is referred to as a bulldozer or Majegere in the local language.

“Because there is no challenge of a local person, she cannot solve. She is a woman of valour, a pinnacle and epitome of political tranquillity. She does not circumlocute around challenges of a common man while executing her work. But rather circumvents them with absolute precision. Rt. Hon. Nabbanja is not a political demagogue in the way she executes but rather a true stateswoman of our time,” Namara concluded.

Former Attorney General and Nakawa East MP Fred Ruhindi said “Nabbanja is a versatile and effective Prime Minister and emotionally intelligent. She knows how to handle public affairs and that’s one of the greatest challenges we have got in the management of public affairs in our country. I think with her guidance as Prime Minister, this country will move yonder.”

Unlike previous incidents where the Opposition has walked out on Government legislation, surprisingly, this time many MPs nodded in the affirmative. Which goes a long way to illustrate the likeable character of Nabbanja and the Vice President.

But not without a piece of advice from Kalungu West MP Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu who asked the Prime Minister to prevail over absentee ministers.

“You, Ministers who have been designated, respect the Prime Minister. As you move with your name Majegere, let us see your Majegere on the Ministers of Government because they are supposed to do their work,” Ssewungu cautioned.

On his part, Obongi County MP Hassan Kaps Fungaroo (FDC) said in the making of permanent records for generations, it is important that thee views of opposition supporting Nabbanja’s endorsement are well captured on the record.

“On behalf of the people of Obongi whom I represent here and, on my behalf, I would like to say, I support the proposal, the motion that Rt. Hon. Nabbanja be approved by this Parliament as our Prime Minister,” Fungaroo said.

In her acceptance speech, Alupo thanked the president for trusting her again to serve as Vice President for the second term and vowed to exercise her mandate as the MP for Katakwi and also serve diligently. 

She also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for reappointing her to serve as Vice President for a second term.

“I thank the appointing authority, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for trusting me and appointing me for the second time to serve the people of Uganda as Vice President. I do not take it for granted,” she said.

Alupo pledged total commitment to national service, promising dedication, patriotism and loyalty throughout her tenure.

“I assure him and all the people of Uganda that I shall serve with utmost dedication, patriotism and loyalty, giving undivided attention to all matters of national importance that come before me during my tenure,” she told Parliament.

Nabbanja lauded the President for the trust and confidence he placed in her for another term.

“I don’t take this for granted. My appointment is not just a milestone but a responsibility to advance Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation as emphasised by the President. I commit to co-ordinate the entire government to realise this mission,” she said.

Motion to increase  ministers

Nabbanja said whereas article 113 (2) of the constitution provides that the total number of Cabinet ministers should not exceed 21 except with the approval of Parliament.

Article 114 (3) of the constitution provides that the other number of ministers shall not exceed 21 except with the approval of parliament.

“The President has realised that for the efficient running of the state, there’s need to increase the number cabinet ministers from 21 to 30 and the total number of other ministers from 21 to 51,” she said.

Nabbanja said the increase was necessary to strengthen service delivery and support government programmes across the country. Under the approved arrangement, the total number of ministers will rise from 42 to 82. The new structure will comprise 31 Cabinet ministers and 51 state ministers.

Seconding the motion, Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi (Kyaka South County, NRM) said the Constitution allows Parliament to approve an increase in the number of ministers where necessary.

Kafuuzi said Articles 113 and 114 of the Constitution provide for 21 Cabinet ministers and 21 state ministers, but permit Parliament to vary the numbers through approval.

“There is a legal principle of variation that allows Parliament to make reasonable adjustments where necessary. Each Parliament must approve a new variation because previous approvals lapse with the life of that Parliament,” Kafuuzi said.

He said Parliament has approved similar variations since the Sixth Parliament to respond to the country’s changing governance demands and population growth. “The approval is consistent with the Constitution and established parliamentary practice,” Kafuuzi said.

He argued that Uganda’s decentralised governance structure requires flexibility in the size of the Executive to meet evolving national needs. Article 113 of the Constitution provides that Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament from among Members of Parliament or persons qualified to be elected as MPs.

The motion still passed despite resistance from some opposition MPs who argued that recently government passed the rationalisation Bills in order to cut down on the government expenditure on some of the agencies and also duplication of work.

“Among the things we expected is government to cut on the number of ministers just as it did with the agencies. This prime minister who brought the bill on rationalisation should not be the same bringing a motion to increase ministers,” Patrick Nsamba said.

MPs to vet designated ministers

The House also approved the names of MPs of the appointments committee that will sit on Monday to vet the newly designated ministers.

From the NRM said they include Catherine Mavenjina, Jane Avura Pacuto, Awori Betty Engora, Annet Birungi(Workers), Sam Byibesho (Kisoro Municipality), Elma Kapel Challa (Youth Northern) , Stephen Shaka (Entebbe Municipality), Ruth Katushabe (Bukomansimbi), Stephen Kiisa (Luuka South), Kitanywa Sowedi (Busongora County North), Keffa Kiwanuka (Kiboga East County), Lanyero Catherine( Nwoya), Linda Irene (Fort Portal City)  Aisha Mafabi Nabulo – Sironko District, Judith Nagujja (Buvuma), Faith Nakut ( Napak District),  Alex Ndeezi ( PWD Representative, Central Region), Madina Nsereko ( Kawempe Division North), Johnson Nyeko (Lamwo County),  Simon Peter Okwalinga,  Beatrice Rwakimari (Ruhama),  Robinah Rwakoojo ( Gomba West County),  Genensio Tumuramye (Kasonjo), Fadhil Twaha (Tingey County ), Beatrice Wembabazi  (Hoima District), Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa ( UPDF Representative),  Peter Okot ( Tochi County), Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa , Betty Aol Ocan  (PFF),  Lucy Akello (FDC),  Peter Okot (DP),  Dr Eunice Otuko Apio  (UPC).

For the National Unity Platform (NUP), the nominated MPs included Joesl Ssenyonyi (Leader of Opposition) , Paul Mwiru (Chief Whip), Sheila Dravire and Gonzaga Ssewungu and Ismael Kasule (National Unity Transformation).

The independents on the Committee include Esther Achom (Serere), Angela Akot (Tororo), Tom Kinobere (Kibuku County) and Emmanuel Ongiertho (Nebbi Municipality).

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are also members of the appointments committee.