Uganda's 12th Parliament Elects Speaker and Deputy Today

Uganda’s 12th Parliament convenes today at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds to embark on the crucial task of electing its Speaker and Deputy Speaker. This critical election marks the first official business of the new parliamentary term, with no other proceedings to commence until these leadership positions are filled.

According to parliamentary tradition and procedural dictates, the election process is overseen by the Chief Justice. Eligible Members of Parliament, numbering 528 out of an expected 529, will cast their votes. The Constitution and the Administration of Parliament Act lay out the framework for these elections, ensuring a structured and transparent process.

The Rules of Procedure specify that candidates must be nominated by a Member of Parliament and seconded by another, with the nominated individual’s consent. Importantly, the rules prohibit public campaigning or soliciting of votes, emphasizing that the election should be based on merit and suitability for the role.

Voting will be conducted via secret ballot. After nominations are closed and verified, the Clerk to Parliament will issue ballot papers. Once voting concludes, a public count of the ballots will take place. In the event of a tie between the top candidates, the voting process will be repeated until a clear winner emerges.

Following the election, the Speaker-elect will take the oath of office, administered by the President or a designated individual. The newly elected Speaker will then preside over the election of their Deputy, following a similar procedure. The elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker will then be formally presented with symbols of their office. The framework for these elections is detailed in Chapter Six of the 1995 Constitution and further elaborated in Rules 5 and 6 of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.

For more details on the election process, refer to the Daily Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-speaker-deputy-will-be-elected-today-5472050