By Derrick Omoding
Kawempe North constituency finally has representation in Parliament after the swearing-in of new Member of Parliament (MP) Nalukoola Luyimbaazi in an event held at the Speaker’s chambers. The swearing-in was conducted by Speaker Anita Among, who explained that the decision to hold the ceremony in her chambers was to ensure that the people of Kawempe North would not continue without representation.
“We would not want to deprive the good people of Kawempe representation, which is why we are swearing him in my chambers. We swear you in because the law compels us,” Speaker Among stated. She added that Nalukoola would now enjoy all the privileges of an MP in the 11th Parliament, including receiving a vehicle and fuel allowance as part of his entitlements.
The ceremony was facilitated by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who presented Nalukoola for the swearing-in. Nalukoola took the oath of office, vowing to defend the Constitution of Uganda and concluding with the words, “So help me Allah.” Following the oath, he was handed a copy of the Constitution and the parliamentary rules of procedure.
Nalukoola won the Kawempe North parliamentary seat with 17,980 votes. He was accompanied to the ceremony by his father and other dignitaries, including Hajj Takuba and the Vice President of the Uganda Law Society, Anthony Asiimwe. His swearing-in marks the end of a prolonged period in which Kawempe North had no official representative in Parliament, following disputes surrounding the election.
Expressing his gratitude, Nalukoola acknowledged the long period the people of Kawempe North had gone without representation. He highlighted some of the pressing issues affecting the constituency, particularly the ongoing floods that have caused significant problems for residents.
“I thank the people of Kawempe North for their patience, and I assure them that I will do everything within my power to address the challenges facing our constituency, especially the floods,” Nalukoola said.
Speaker Among recognized these concerns, and Joel Ssenyonyi, while noting that they would have preferred a formal swearing-in ceremony in Parliament, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, given the circumstances surrounding the election.
“Kawempe North has been a battlefront, but we are committed to serving the people and ensuring their voices are heard,” Ssenyonyi said.
With Nalukoola’s swearing-in, Kawempe North now has a representative in the 11th Parliament, ensuring that the constituency’s concerns will be part of national decision-making.