KAMPALA — Parliament has approved the appointments of H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo as Vice President and Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister during the 2nd Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 1st Session of the 12th Parliament held on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The sitting was presided over by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth.
Members of Parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the two appointments in line with constitutional provisions requiring parliamentary approval of presidential nominees.
While presenting support for the appointment of Vice President Alupo, Kampala Central MP Hon. Muhammad Nsereko Minsa Kabanda described her as a leader of “proven competence, integrity and dedication” who deserved to continue serving in the country’s second-highest office.
Parliament subsequently approved Alupo’s appointment in accordance with Article 108(2) of the Constitution, which requires approval by a simple majority vote.
Alupo first assumed office as Vice President in June 2021 and served until May 2026 under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s administration.
Before becoming Vice President, she served as Minister of Education and Sports from 2011 to 2016 and earlier as State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs from 2009 to 2011.
A former UPDF officer and veteran politician, Alupo has remained one of Uganda’s most prominent female leaders and a senior member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Meanwhile, Parliament also approved the appointment of Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business pursuant to Article 108A(1) of the Constitution.
The motion for her approval was moved by Lira City Woman MP and Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who praised Nabbanja’s performance during her previous tenure as Prime Minister.
“During her tenure as Prime Minister, Nabbanja oversaw exemplary performance in the discharge of Government Business before the 11th Parliament,” Dr Aceng told the House.
She further described Nabbanja as “a pioneering and inspirational leader” for becoming Uganda’s first female Prime Minister.
Nakawa East MP Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi also supported the motion, describing Nabbanja as a “versatile and effective Prime Minister.”
However, during debate on the motion, Kalungu West MP Hon. Joseph Ssewungu urged the Prime Minister to address the issue of absenteeism among ministers in Parliament.
Ssewungu asked Nabbanja to ensure ministers regularly attend plenary sittings and respond to matters raised by legislators.
The approvals mark a major step in the formation of the new government following President Museveni’s re-election and the beginning of the 12th Parliament.
With Parliament’s endorsement now secured, both Alupo and Nabbanja are expected to continue executing their respective duties as the government transitions into the new term of office.
The approvals were among several executive appointments considered during Thursday afternoon’s plenary sitting.