By Agency
In a move signalling a strong stance against corruption within Parliament, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has dismissed 11 Chairpersons of Sectoral Committees for the 2024/25 session. This shake-up follows the opening of the 4th Session of the 11th Parliament by President Yoweri Museveni on June 6.
Leadership Changes
The Government Chief Whip, Denis Obua, announced the retention of only four Chairpersons during a plenary sitting of the House chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Wednesday:
Wilson Kajwengye (Nyabushozi County) – Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs
Martin Ojara Mapenduzi (Bardege-Layibi Division) – Committee on Public Service and Local Government
Dan Kimosho (Kazo County) – Committee on Physical Infrastructure
Amos Kankunda (Rwampara County) – Committee on Finance
While Kajwengye and Kimosho retained their deputies, Tony Ayo and Linos Ngompek, respectively, Kankunda and Mapenduzi will work with new deputies after Jane Pacuto and Christine Apolot were not retained.
New Appointments
Linda Agnes Auma (Lira District Woman MP) replaces Janet Okori-Moe as Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture. Auma will be deputized by Hope Grania Nakazibwe of Mubende District.
Catherine Lamwaka (Omoro District Woman MP) moves from the Committee on Tourism and Trade to Chair the Committee on Foreign Affairs, replacing Norah Bigirwa. Boniface Okot, Northern Uganda Youth MP, takes over Lamwaka’s previous position.
Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Robina Rwakoojo Gureme (Gomba West MP) and her deputy Yusuf Mutembuli were both removed. John Teira (Bugabula South MP) was named Vice Chairperson, with the substantive Chairperson yet to be appointed.Comittee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Moses Magogo was sanctioned by the United States Government, leading to his dismissal. His deputy, Tony Ayoo, remains, with the new Chairperson yet to be named.
Other Changes
Jessica Ababiku (Adjumani District Woman MP) and her deputy, Naome Kabasharira, were removed from the Presidential Affairs Committee.
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources saw the removal of Emmanuel Otala and Nathan Igeme Nabeta. Feta Geoffrey (Ayivu East MP) will act as Deputy Chairperson until a new leader is appointed.
Mwine Mpaka (Mbarara South Division MP), a notable Committee leader, was replaced by Catherine Lamwaka. Boniface Okot took over Lamwaka’s previous position.
Committees Without LeadershipSeveral committees, including the Committee on Health and the Committee on Education and Sports, are currently without substantive leadership. Dr. Charles Ayume and John Ntamuhira Twesigye were removed from these positions, with replacements yet to be announced.
Recess
Obua indicated that the ruling party would finalize the appointments for the vacant positions within two weeks. If urgent business arises before the finalization, members will elect interim Chairpersons as per parliamentary rules.
In a surprising move, Speaker Anita Among announced a one-month recess for legislators, urging them to reconnect with their electorates ahead of the 2026 general elections. This recess leaves uncertain the fate of Theodore Ssekikubo’s motion to censure four backbencher Commissioners accused of corruption.
