Parliament will on Wednesday swear in four Cabinet ministers as ex-officio Members of Parliament, formally granting them the right to participate in debates and government business in the 12th Parliament.
The swearing-in will take place during the next sitting at Parliament House in Kampala, following the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Member of Parliament.
Ex-officio MPs are Cabinet ministers who sit in Parliament by virtue of their ministerial positions. While they do not have voting rights, they are allowed to debate, present government policy, respond to questions from legislators and contribute to committee work.
The ministers expected to take the oath are Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation; Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister for Information, National Guidance and National Unity; David Bahati, State Minister for Industry; and Dr Monica Musenero, Minister for Energy and Mineral Development.
According to Parliament officials, the ceremony will follow the standard procedure during the “Administration of Oaths” segment of the House sitting, immediately after prayers and the Speaker’s communication.
A senior Parliament official said the inclusion of ex-officio MPs is intended to strengthen coordination between the Executive and Legislature.
“Ex-officio MPs bring technical expertise into the House. Since they are ministers, they can explain government programmes directly, answer questions from legislators, and move government business without needing an elected MP to sponsor it,” the official said.
Political analysts say the presence of the four ministers will enhance government’s ability to steer key legislation, particularly in sectors such as science, energy, industry and innovation, which are central to Uganda’s development agenda.
Dr Monica Musenero, Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, is expected to play a key role in upcoming discussions, including debates on the Solar Powered Irrigation Systems Phase II loan.
A source close to the ministry said her presence in Parliament will help provide technical clarity on energy and mineral policy issues.
Justine Kasule Lumumba, who previously served as NRM Secretary General and Bugiri Woman MP, returns to Parliament in a Cabinet capacity. She has in the past said that ex-officio membership helps bridge communication between government and lawmakers.
Eng. Jonard Asiimwe and David Bahati are also expected to contribute to debates on industrialisation, innovation and value addition as government pushes its economic transformation agenda.
A Parliament spokesperson said the swearing-in is a constitutional requirement that formalises ministers’ participation in legislative proceedings.
“The swearing-in of ex-officio members is a constitutional requirement. It formalises their role in Parliament and ensures Cabinet has a direct voice in legislative debates,” the spokesperson said.
With the new ministers joining the House, government is expected to have a stronger presence in debates as the 12th Parliament begins handling key policy and budget matters.
