Parliament Clears Alupo, Nabbanja for Historic Second Terms

In a landmark parliamentary session that has strengthened the position of women in Uganda’s top leadership, Parliament has officially approved Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to serve second consecutive terms in office.

The approvals followed President Yoweri Museveni’s reappointment of the two leaders on May 26, marking a historic moment in Uganda’s political landscape as both women become the first to retain the country’s top executive offices for consecutive terms.

Alupo Secures Historic Second Term

Parliament overwhelmingly approved Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo Rose Epel, the Woman MP for Katakwi District, to continue serving as Uganda’s Vice President. Her approval makes her the first woman in the country’s history to serve two consecutive terms in the position.

During the plenary sitting, 325 Members of Parliament voted in support of Alupo’s appointment, while 18 voted against and four abstained.

The House exercised its constitutional mandate under Article 108(2) of the Constitution, which provides that the President shall appoint the Vice President with approval from Parliament by a simple majority.

The motion seeking Alupo’s approval was moved by Sheema County MP Ephraim Kamuntu, who praised her leadership experience and dedication to national service. He said her reappointment reflected President Museveni’s trust and confidence in her performance.

Alupo first assumed office as Vice President in June 2021. Before that, she served as Minister of Education and Sports from 2011 to 2016 and State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs from 2009 to 2011.

Despite the overwhelming support, some Opposition legislators questioned her reappointment, arguing that Parliament should assess constitutional achievements and performance in office rather than personal accomplishments and loyalty alone.

Nabbanja Also Retained as Prime Minister

Parliament also approved Robinah Nabbanja for another term as Prime Minister of Uganda in a similarly decisive vote.

A total of 320 MPs voted in favor of her appointment, while six voted against and two abstained.

Nabbanja, who has served as Prime Minister since 2021, will now continue into a second consecutive term, extending her tenure as the first woman to hold the office in Uganda’s history.

The motion for her approval was moved by Lira City Woman MP Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero under Rule 58 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure and Article 108A of the Constitution.

The motion was seconded by Nakawa East MP Fredrick Ruhindi, Buyaga West MP Dennis Namara, and Nakapiripirit District Woman MP Esther Anyakun.

While defending Nabbanja’s record, Dr. Aceng presented performance statistics from her first term, saying she effectively coordinated government business in the 11th Parliament.

According to the statistics presented:

• 82% of Bills in the legislative programme were introduced.
• 96% of motions were tabled.
• 99% of Prime Minister’s Questions were responded to.
• 95% of ministers’ questions were answered.
• 97% of oral questions received responses.
• 93% of ministerial statements were presented.
• 98% of action taken reports were submitted.
• 100% of Treasury Memoranda were tabled before Parliament.

Dr. Aceng described Nabbanja as a pioneering and inspirational leader whose continued leadership demonstrates confidence in her ability to coordinate government business effectively.

With the approval of both Alupo and Nabbanja, Uganda’s top executive leadership remains unchanged, signaling continuity in government policy under the ruling NRM administration.