Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 530
With barely a month since it's inauguration, Uganda's 12th Parliament is already grappling with a severe space crisis, with some legislators being forced to sit on the floor, occupy seats in the public gallery, or stand in doorways during plenary sessions due to overcrowding in the parliamentary chamber.
The current chamber, which was originally designed to accommodate about 80 legislators, is now expected to serve a Parliament of more than 529 Members of Parliament, creating growing concerns about functionality, order, and the dignity of legislative proceedings.
The congestion has been further compounded by the chamber's first-come, first-served seating arrangement. As a result, members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who form the majority in Parliament, have on several occasions spilled over into seats traditionally occupied by opposition lawmakers thereby creating disorder.
The situation has sparked frustration among legislators across the political divide, with Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi among those who have openly raised concerns about the deteriorating working conditions within the House.
In response to the complaints, Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth has directed the Clerk to Parliament ,Adolf Mwesige Kasaija to provide a comprehensive status report on the long-delayed construction of new parliamentary chambers. The Speaker issued a strict two-day ultimatum, demanding accountability regarding the stalled multi-billion-shilling project that was intended to address Parliament's growing space requirements.
Lawmakers argue that the overcrowding not only disrupts parliamentary business but also undermines the image and effectiveness of the country's highest legislative institution. Some MPs have questioned why the project has remained incomplete despite the increasing number of legislators and years of discussions about the need for expanded facilities.
The demand for a status report is expected to shed light on the progress, challenges, costs, and timelines associated with the construction of the new chambers. Parliament now awaits the Clerk's response as pressure mounts to find a lasting solution to the worsening accommodation crisis.
Daily Monitor UG
