In a landmark legislative session that has cemented the positions of Uganda’s most powerful women in governance, the Parliament of Uganda has officially cleared Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to serve historic second consecutive terms in their respective offices.
The high-stakes voting session, heavily dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, followed President Yoweri Museveni’s reappointment of the duo on May 26. The decisions mark a monumental milestone in the country’s political history, establishing unprecedented female continuity at the highest levels of the executive arm of government.
Alupo secures historic second term as Vice President
The House overwhelmingly voted to retain Maj (rtd) Jessica Alupo Rose Epel, the Katakwi District Woman Member of Parliament, as the Vice President of Uganda. This approval makes her the first woman in Uganda’s history to hold the prestigious position for two consecutive terms.
During the tense but largely predictable plenary session, a total of 325 Members of Parliament voted “yes” to retain Ms. Alupo. In contrast, 18 members objected to the motion, while four abstained.
The members exercised their constitutional mandate under Article 108 (2) of the Constitution of Uganda, which explicitly states: “The President shall, with the approval of Parliament by a simple majority, appoint a Vice President.”
The motion for Alupo’s clearance was formally moved by Sheema County legislator Ephraim Kamuntu. Mr. Kamuntu highlighted her extensive leadership background, arguing that her reappointment for a second consecutive term is a clear testimony that the appointing authority, President Museveni, heavily trusts her unwavering service and is pleased with her performance.
Ms. Alupo originally served as Vice President from June 2021 to May 2026. Prior to making history in the presidium, she served as the Minister of Education and Sports from 2011 to 2016, and as the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs from 2009 to 2011.
Despite the smooth numerical victory, various members from the Opposition challenged Ms. Alupo’s clearance. The dissenting legislators demanded that the movers of the clearance motion present tangible constitutional achievements to the House, rather than simply trading her personal achievements, loyalty, and educational background as the primary qualifications for the office.
Nabbanja follows suit with resounding parliamentary backing
In a nearly identical legislative sweep, Parliament also cleared Ms. Robinah Nabbanja for another term as the Prime Minister of Uganda. A total of 320 members voted in favor of her clearance, while six members voted against the motion, and two abstained. Like Alupo, Ms. Nabbanja will be serving her second term as the Premier, a position she has firmly held since 2021.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the Lira City Woman MP, moved the motion for Nabbanja’s approval as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business. Dr. Aceng premised her motion under Rule 58 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure and Article 108A of the Constitution, which mandates the appointment of the Prime Minister by the President with a simple majority from among MPs or persons qualified to be elected as such.
The motion was strongly seconded by a trio of influential MPs: Fredrick Ruhindi (Nakawa East), Dennis Namara (Buyaga West), and Esther Anyakun (Nakapiripirit District Woman MP).
Under Article 108 (A) subsections 2(a) and 2(b), the Prime Minister is legally responsible for coordinating and implementing government policies across ministries, departments, and public institutions.
Defending Nabbanja’s credentials, Dr. Aceng presented a comprehensive statistical breakdown of Nabbanja’s performance during her first tenure, arguing that she oversaw an exemplary and unprecedented discharge of Government Business before the 11th Parliament:
82% of the total Bills indicated in the Legislative Programme were formally introduced.
96% of Motions were successfully submitted.
99% of Prime Minister’s Questions were responded to.
95% of questions directed to Ministers were answered.
97% of questions for oral answers were addressed.
93% of Ministerial Statements were presented.
98% of Action Taken Reports by Ministers on parliamentary resolutions or recommendations were tabled.
100% of Treasury Memoranda were submitted. Dr. Aceng concluded her defense by reminding the House that Ms. Nabbanja remains a pioneering and deeply inspirational leader, holding the distinct honor of being the very first woman to ever occupy the office of Prime Minister in Uganda. With both approvals sealed, the executive top tier remains unchanged, signalling policy continuity for the ruling NRM government.