Bukuya County Member of Parliament Michael Iga Bukenya finally took his oath of office on Wednesday, bringing an end to the brief controversy surrounding his absence during last week’s initial swearing-in of the 12th Parliament.
Speaking immediately after the ceremony before the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesigye, Bukenya criticized parliamentary officials for allegedly spreading false information about his whereabouts.
Bukenya told journalists that he had informed the Clerk’s office well in advance—over a month ago—that he would be unable to attend the first swearing-in ceremony due to other pressing obligations.
“Parliament was aware of my schedule,” he said, insisting that the public had been misled by careless remarks from a spokesperson who spoke to the media without consulting him.
“I received calls and messages because of comments by one of the Parliament Spokespeople who claimed they didn’t know where I was,” Bukenya explained. “That information was incorrect, and I believe an apology is owed. It is also an issue that should be addressed by those responsible for such lapses.”
Attempts to confirm the identity of the spokesperson from Parliament proved inconclusive, with no immediate records available. Chris Obore, Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, said in a telephone interview that he was unaware of the matter and had not been briefed.
Bukenya rejected claims that he had been late for his oath, insisting that May 20, 2026, had been pre-approved by the Clerk of Parliament. “This is the timing that was agreed upon, and I do not consider myself late. The 12th Parliament officially begins on May 25, 2026, so my swearing-in falls well within the schedule,” he said.
He also clarified that the Parliament would only be fully operational after the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, scheduled for Monday, May 25. On his preferred candidates for these positions, Bukenya said he would follow the guidance of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus.
“The practice has always been that interested candidates are first discussed in caucus, and the party presents its endorsed choices. I will support the party’s official selections,” he stated.
With Bukenya now sworn in, the 12th Parliament has 528 members, leaving only the Kalangala Woman MP seat vacant following the death of Helen Nakimuli on April 19, 2026. The by-election for the seat is set for June 24, 2026.
The newly sworn-in MPs are set to hold their first official sitting on Monday, May 25, to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, marking the formal commencement of the 12th Parliament in accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure.
