Sanjay Tanna takes oath of office as head of the trade ministry
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Nineteen newly appointed ministers today, Wednesday 10th June 2026 formally assumed their parliamentary responsibilities after taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament during a sitting of Parliament chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on 10 June 2026 at the Parliamentary Chambers, marked a significant constitutional step for the ministers who were recently approved by the Appointments Committee. As ex-officio Members of Parliament, the ministers do not represent constituencies but are entitled to participate in parliamentary proceedings in their capacities as members of the Executive.
The oath-taking process is a mandatory constitutional requirement under Article 78 of the Constitution and is further guided by Rule 3 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. The rule stipulates that no member may take their seat in Parliament before taking and subscribing to both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Member of Parliament as prescribed in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.
The ceremony enables the ministers to formally engage in parliamentary business, including presenting government policies and legislation, responding to matters raised by legislators, and participating in debates on issues affecting the country. However, despite their active role in parliamentary proceedings, ex-officio ministers do not possess voting rights on matters requiring decisions of Parliament.
Constitutional order
Article 78(4) of the Constitution specifically provides that ex-officio members may take part in debates and other parliamentary activities but are barred from voting on any motion or bill before the House.
Among the prominent ministers sworn in was Attorney General Sam Mayanja, who assumes the legal advisory role to government. Also taking the oath was Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who transitions from the Attorney General’s office to head the Ministry of Defence. During the ceremony, Kiwanuka was seen interacting with Mayanja, his successor at the Attorney General’s Chambers, symbolising the transition of responsibilities between the two offices.
Other ministers sworn in included Balaam Barugahara, who takes charge of the Ministry of Local Government, and Justine Kasule Lumumba, who assumes leadership of the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance. Also among the appointees were Cissy Mulondo, State Minister for Finance; Monica Musenero, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development; and Tom Butime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
Sanjay Tanna assumes trade docket
A notable moment during the ceremony was the swearing-in of Sanjay Tanna, who takes over the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. While administering the oaths, Speaker Oboth highlighted the expectations surrounding Tanna’s appointment, noting that Uganda’s trade and industrialisation agenda would require strong leadership and innovation.
The swearing-in of the ministers represents an important link between the Executive and Parliament, ensuring that government ministries are adequately represented on the floor of the House. Through their ex-officio status, ministers are able to explain government policies, answer questions from Members of Parliament, and provide updates on the implementation of national programmes.
The ceremony comes at a time when Parliament is preparing for increased scrutiny of government activities following the unveiling of a new Shadow Cabinet by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi.
Shadow cabinet
In a related development, Ssenyonyi presented a 30-member Shadow Cabinet tasked with overseeing and scrutinising the work of government ministers. The appointment of the Shadow Cabinet is provided for under Rule 15(2) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, which requires the Leader of the Opposition, in consultation with party leadership, to appoint opposition members to provide alternative policy and administrative perspectives.
The newly announced Shadow Cabinet includes Harriet Nakwedde as Deputy Opposition Whip and Shadow Minister for the Presidency, Erias Nalukoola as Shadow Attorney General, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo as Shadow Minister for Security, Joseph Ssewungu as Shadow Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Eugenia Nassolo as Shadow Minister for Cooperatives and Microfinance.
With both the Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet now formally constituted, Parliament is set to begin a new phase of legislative business, policy debate and government oversight. The swearing-in of the 19 ministers not only fullfils a constitutional obligation but also ensures that the Executive is fully represented in the House as government seeks to advance its agenda in the coming parliamentary sessions.
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