Bukuya County MP Michael Iga Bukenya took his oath of office on Wednesday, ending a brief stir over his absence from last week’s initial swearing-in of Uganda’s 12th Parliament. Speaking after the ceremony before Clerk Adolf Mwesigye, Bukenya lashed out at officials he said misled the public about his whereabouts.
The lawmaker insisted he had informed the Clerk’s office a month prior that he would miss the first swearing-in due to other obligations. “Parliament was fully aware of my schedule,” Bukenya said, emphasizing that the media reports suggesting otherwise were incorrect.
He said a Parliament spokesperson had “carelessly” gone public with claims that his location was unknown, which led to confusion and unnecessary speculation. “I think an apology is owed, and those responsible should be disciplined for such misinformation,” he added.
Parliamentary officials were quick to respond, or rather, to express ignorance. Chris Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, told journalists that he had no information about the incident and had not been briefed. Attempts to identify the spokesperson Bukenya accused yielded no immediate results.
Bukenya rejected suggestions that he had reported late, explaining that his May 20, 2026, swearing-in was prearranged with the Clerk. “This is not a delay. The 12th Parliament officially starts on May 25, so my timing is appropriate,” he said.
On the forthcoming election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Bukenya said he would defer to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus. “Candidates express interest, caucus discusses them, and the party presents endorsed choices. I will support the party’s official selections,” he said.
With Bukenya sworn in, the 12th Parliament now has 528 members, leaving only the Kalangala Woman MP seat vacant after the death of Helen Nakimuli on April 19, 2026. The by-election for the position is scheduled for June 24.
The full Parliament will convene for its first sitting on May 25, 2026, to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, officially marking the start of the 12th Parliament and completing the composition of Uganda’s legislative body.
