As Uganda prepares for the inauguration of the Twelfth Parliament, several high-profile MPs have secured their positions (many unopposed) reflecting strong local support and political continuity. Below are profiles of key figures set to take office when the new Parliament is sworn in from May 13–15, 2026.
Anita Annet Among: Speaker of Parliament & Bukedea District Woman MP
Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among has been a significant figure in Uganda’s legislative leadership, serving as Speaker of Parliament in the outgoing Eleventh Parliament. A lawyer, accountant, and politician, Among first entered Parliament representing Bukedea District in 2011. She later served as Deputy Speaker before becoming Speaker in March 2022 following the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
Among has been declared unopposed in her bid to return as Bukedea District Woman MP for the Twelfth Parliament after no other candidate filed valid nomination papers. She also serves as National Vice Chairperson of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
As Speaker, Among chairs parliamentary sittings, oversees legislative business, and represents Parliament in official functions. Her role places her at the centre of Uganda’s legislative agenda and parliamentary governance.
Thomas Tayebwa: Deputy Speaker & Ruhinda North MP
Hon. Thomas Tayebwa is the current Deputy Speaker of Parliament and a seasoned legislator. A lawyer and politician, Tayebwa has represented Ruhinda North County in Mitooma District since 2016 and was re-elected unopposed ahead of the 2026 parliamentary term.
Tayebwa has held several leadership roles within Parliament, including serving as Government Chief Whip before his election to the Deputy Speaker position in the Eleventh Parliament. He is widely recognised for his experience in managing parliamentary proceedings and legislative coordination.
In addition to his domestic roles, Tayebwa has been active on the international stage, having served as President of the ACP States Joint Parliamentary Assembly, fostering legislative collaboration across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Lillian Paparu Obiale: Arua District Woman MP
Hon. Lillian Paparu Obiale has secured her seat as woman representative for Arua District, returning unopposed to Parliament. Paparu first joined elective politics in 2021 and continues to enjoy strong support in her constituency.
Her unopposed win underscores her political base in northwest Uganda, where she has focused on community engagement and advocacy for local development issues.
Ruth Rujoki Mushabe: Kiruhura District Woman MP
Hon. Ruth Rujoki Mushabe is another unopposed seat-winner slated to serve in the Twelfth Parliament. She will represent Kiruhura District as Woman MP, continuing the leadership mandate entrusted to her by her constituents.
Mushabe’s election reflects the consolidation of support in her district, and her presence in Parliament will contribute to ongoing efforts on legislative priorities affecting families and communities.
Others Declared Unopposed
In addition to the major incoming MPs above, several others have also secured seats without contest and will take office in the upcoming term:
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Emmanuel Banya: Koboko County MP
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Jeniva Arinaitwe Nalongo: Rubirizi District Woman MP
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Moses Magogo: Budiope East County MP (also President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations)
These unopposed victories highlight both the electoral strength of certain candidates and the political dynamics ahead of the January 15 general election.
What This Means for the Twelfth Parliament
With Speaker Among and Deputy Speaker Tayebwa returning without contest, leadership continuity is assured as the new Parliament prepares to take office in May. Their extended service at the helm of the legislature is expected to influence parliamentary culture, debates, and agenda-setting in the first months of the Twelfth Parliament.
Other unopposed MPs bring experience and local representation that will shape legislative focus on issues ranging from regional development to national policy priorities.
As Uganda advances into a new parliamentary term, these elected leaders will play a central role in driving the legislative process, oversight, and national governance.
