They toppled giant MPs, but can’t speak

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s 12th Parliament has begun with an unexpectedly quiet first 100 days from many of the newcomers elected to replace some of the country’s most outspoken lawmakers. A review of Hansard records from May to August 2026 found that several fresh MPs have made little or no contribution in plenary, even after unseating well-known figures who previously drove debate on accountability and public spending.

Among those cited were George Musisi of Kira Municipality, who replaced Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda, Emmanuel Magoola Matovu in Busiro East, Erias Mukiibi Sserunjogi in Butambala, and Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande in Lwemiyaga. The article says their names often appear only for the oath and committee assignments, while some have yet to speak at all. It also notes that a few newcomers have managed only brief interventions, such as Sadala Wandera of Bugweri County, whose first attempt at raising local road and drainage concerns was cut short by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Musisi told The Observer that committee work can be more demanding than floor debate, saying he was immediately placed on COSASE and faced a large backlog of Auditor General reports. Parliament’s leadership has since acknowledged the need to help new members settle in, with Tayebwa agreeing to structured three-minute slots for maiden speeches.

The report places this silence in contrast to the previous Parliament, where veteran MPs frequently dominated national debate. It also shows that while some newcomers are still finding their footing, a handful have been active early on, suggesting an uneven transition as Uganda’s legislature adjusts to a new cast of representatives.