Did you know that before 1945, there was no African representative in Parliament?

INDEPENDENCE HISTORY

In 1921, a Legislative Council (LEGCO) was set up to be the ‘parliament' of Uganda, but it was for Whites and Asians only. It was not until 1945 that the first three Africans were nominated to it.

They were Michael Earnest Kawalya Kaggwa (the Katikkiro of Buganda), Petero Nyangabyaki (western region) and Yekonia Zirabamuzaale (eastern region).

In 1956, Pumla Kisosonkole was nominated on the LEGCO, followed by Sarah Ntiro in 1958. By independence, Florence Lubega, Frances Akello, Joyce Mpanga, Miriam Mitha and W. Gordon had also served on the LEGCO.

With independence, the LEGCO was replaced by the National Assembly, which was the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda and the First Session of the First Parliament was held on October 10, 1962.

Sir John Bowes Griffin, a British lawyer, became the first Speaker of the first Parliament from 1962 to 1963, before handing over to Narendra M. Patel, in May 1963.