Ankole Region posted the highest attendance rate for NRM Members of Parliament in the 11th Parliament at 88.7%, while Greater Mukono trailed at 70.89%, according to a new performance report released by the Office of the Government Chief Whip.
Presenting the report to Regional Whips during their farewell event in Kampala, Director Kiiza Charles Lwanga said both physical check-ins and online attendance were used to compile data for plenary and committee sittings.
West Nile followed Ankole at 85.04%, while Sebei recorded 85.55%. Greater Masaka registered 84.04% and 83.19%, Lango 82.15%, Greater Mubende 81.2%, and Karamoja 81.35%. Other regions included Bugisu at 79.05%, Acholi 78.17%, Bukedi 78.2%, Teso 76.98%, Bunyoro 76.95%, Kigezi 76.45%, Busoga 75.44%, Special Interest Groups 75.02%, Toro 74.59%, and Rwenzori 72.45%.
Lwanga noted that attendance sharply declined during the campaign period.
“Attendance of NRM MPs dropped to 34% during the election period,” Lwanga said.
The report also revealed communication gaps within the NRM caucus. It indicated that 3% of legislators are not on WhatsApp, 92% rely on SMS blasts for updates, and 8% have changed the telephone contacts registered with Parliament, making mobilization more difficult.
“We found that 3% of the legislators are not on WhatsApp, 92% rely on SMS blasts for updates, and 8% changed their contacts registered by Parliament,” Lwanga said.
He cited increasing constituency pressure as another key factor affecting MPs’ attendance in Parliament.
To improve performance in the 12th Parliament, Lwanga said the Office of the Government Chief Whip has restructured its mobilization strategy. A designated MP and staff member will now be assigned to whip a specific region to ensure both plenary and committee work are prioritized.
“We have restructured our mobilization strategy where a designated MP and staff member will be responsible for whipping a given region,” he said.
The office will also introduce pre-plenary caucus meetings to harmonize positions before debates and voting, and to reduce divisions on the floor.
“There will be pre-plenary caucus meetings to reduce friction on the floor during debate and voting. In the 12th Parliament, Regional Whips will be executive members of the Parliamentary Caucus,” Lwanga added.
Regional Whips gave mixed reactions to the report. Some argued that committee activities were not adequately reflected in the assessment, while others called on government to better facilitate whips to effectively deliver their mandate.
The attendance report comes as MPs prepare for the 12th Parliament, with swearing-in scheduled for 13–15 May 2026.
