Nalukoola Sworn In, Ending Kawempe North Representation Gap

Erias Nalukoola has officially taken his oath of office, becoming the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, marking the end of a period of representation void for the constituency.¹ The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Speaker Anita Among, took place in the Speaker’s chambers at Parliament, despite the legislative body being in recess to address policy statements.

Speaker Among clarified the decision to hold the ceremony outside the usual parliamentary session, stating, “We would not want to deprive the good people of Kawempe representation, which is why we are swearing him in my chambers. We swear you in because the law compels us.” She further affirmed that Nalukoola is now a full member of the 11th Parliament, entitled to all the privileges and benefits accorded to MPs, including a vehicle and fuel allowances.

The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, facilitated the swearing-in, presenting Nalukoola to the Speaker. Nalukoola, who secured 17,980 votes in the recent election, took the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of Uganda, concluding with the religious affirmation, “So help me Allah.” He was then presented with a copy of the Constitution and the Parliament’s rules of procedure.

Accompanied by his father and other dignitaries, including Hajj Takuba and Anthony Asiimwe, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Nalukoola expressed his gratitude and highlighted the pressing needs of the Kawempe North residents, particularly the ongoing flood crisis. He emphasized the prolonged period the constituency had been without representation and the urgency of addressing the issues faced by its people.

Speaker Among acknowledged the concerns raised by Nalukoola, while Joel Ssenyonyi referred to Kawempe North as a “battlefront,” alluding to the contentious nature of the election. Ssenyonyi, despite expressing a preference for a formal swearing-in in Parliament, conveyed satisfaction with the outcome, considering the challenges surrounding the electoral process. He reiterated the opposition’s commitment to the constituency.

With Nalukoola’s swearing-in, Kawempe North now has a functioning representative in the 11th Parliament, ensuring that the constituency’s concerns are voiced in national legislative proceedings.