UPC wants MPs to prioritise national development

____________________

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party calls upon the new MPs to focus on national development.

In his message to the new legislators, the President of UPC party, Jimmy Akena, said, "the UPC party was founded mainly on the principles of National Unity, Social Justice and Democracy. You should begin this term with a clear mandate to advance policies that put the people of Uganda and their welfare at the forefront. Their policies prioritise: health, education, agriculture, human rights, equitable service and accountable governance."

In a speech read by Sharon Arach, the party spokesperson, Akena said people of Uganda expect Parliament debates, legislates, and oversees with a high level of integrity, discipline, and a focus on national development, May 13, 2026.

“As 12th Parliament kicks off, UPC calls for legislation that advances social justice, national development and national unity, and discourages any measure that undermines the welfare of ordinary Ugandans”, he said.

The swearing in of MPs follows the swearing in of President Yoweri Museveni for the 7th term on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Kololo ceremonial grounds. President Museveni named his new term “no sleep no corruption” 2026- 2031.

The 12th parliament comprises 529 legislators.

These comprise: National Resistance Movement party (NRM) 372, UPC 12, Independents 68, National Unity Platform (NUP) 42, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) 20 MPs, People’s Front For Freedom (PFP) 2 seats, Democratic party (DP) 6 seats and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) 2 seats.

In the 11th Parliament, a total of 290 legislators never made it to the 12th Parliament; they were voted out during the Parliamentary elections that took place on 15 February, amounting to 70 % of the legislators we shall miss.

“To be effective MPs, you should view your work as a service and a call towards nation building, which requires a high degree of organisation, research and engagement. Though this work is time-consuming, it requires total commitment, dedication and sacrifice,” reads Akena's statement.

On the party expectations, Akena cautioned MPs against "debt traps by several money lending institutions due to unnecessary pressure from their constituencies,"

The Party asked all MPs to task the government to improve the speed of service delivery at both central and local government at sustainable levels so as to reduce pressure on MPs, He asserted.

He urged the 12th National Parliament to be focused and maintain an independent role while carrying out its duties, functions and responsibilities.

Parliament has a continuous process of nation-building based on a key institution as an arm of government that works with the Executive/Cabinet and Judiciary, he added.

A total of 184 MPs took oath today, and some of them included Woman MP Anita Among, MP Adjumani West Moses Ali, Workers MP Annet Birungi and Alitwala Rebecca Kadaga, former Speaker of Parliament.