458 MPs begin taking oath today
The Parliament deputy communications director, Ms Hellen Kawesa (pictured) at the weekend confirmed the three-day swearing-in ceremony ahead of the official opening of a new Parliament on Thursday.
What you need to know:
The charge. The swearing-in exercise is expected to take three days ahead of the official opening of the 10 Parliament.
Kampala. In keeping with a long-standing tradition, fresh and returning MPs will today begin their five-year journey with a ritual that is as old as 400 years-the swearing-in.
At least 420 MPs out of the 458 in 10th Parliament are expected to be sworn in this week, making a pledge to Ugandans to conduct themselves in the best interests of the country.
Ms Hellen Kawesa, the Parliament deputy communications director, at the weekend confirmed the three-day swearing-in ceremony which will be presided over by the Clerk to Parliament, Ms Jane Kibirige, ahead of the official opening of a new Parliament on Thursday.
“The swearing-in begins at 8.30am on Monday (today),” Ms Kawesa said, adding: “We expect MPs to arrive with five guests each at about 8am.” “Between 90 and 100 MPs will be sworn in following alphabetical order. Only gazetted members will be sworn in,” she said.
There are 117 MPs whose election is being challenged in courts. However, some of these MPs will be sworn-in and will be subjected to a by-election in the event that they lose their seats.
Article 81(4-5) of the Constitution requires every elected MP to take and subscribe to the oath of allegiance and the oath of MP before assuming office.
At the start of a new Parliament, all MPs, whether new or old must take oath of allegiance or make a solemn affirmation before they take their seats in Parliament after a general election or by-election.
MPs are required to either use the Bible or the Quran but those who don’t subscribe to any religious denomination, can make a “solemn affirmation” that leaves out any mention of God and without touching any Holy book.
Taking oath, according to Mr Wilfred Niwagaba, a city lawyer and Ndorwa East MP is a constitutional command that plays an important role obliging MPs to observe the limits of their authority and act in accordance with the powers delegated to them by the Constitution.
The programme
According to the programme released at the weekend, MPs will access Parliament through the South Wing gate and proceed to the parking lot.
The ceremony will take place in front of Parliament next to where President Museveni took his first oath 30 years ago.
With the 9th Parliament already dissolved, the new Parliament officially opens on Thursday with the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
