Kampala – With just a few days to go before Uganda’s 11th Parliament dissolves in early may, 2026, the once-bustling chambers of the House have taken on an eerily quiet atmosphere, earning it the nickname “Ghost Parliament” among observers.
Many benches sit empty as lawmakers wrap up their five-year term amid a frantic race to clear a massive backlog of business.
The 11th Parliament, which began in May 2021 under the leadership of Speaker Anita Among, is scheduled to end its mandate in May paving the way for the swearing-in of the 12th Parliament between May 13 and 15, 2026, following the January 15 general elections.
Sources close to parliamentary proceedings report significantly reduced attendance in recent plenary sittings, especially today.
Many MPs, particularly those who lost their seats in the January polls or have already shifted focus to personal and transitional matters, have been conspicuously absent. This has left large sections of the 557-seat House looking deserted, even as critical legislation remains pending.
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Speaker Among has repeatedly rallied members to prioritize efficiency in the final days. In earlier sessions, she expressed surprise at empty seats well before the dissolution date, urging lawmakers to remain committed until the very end. Legislators have pushed for extended and even weekend sittings to process the national budget for FY 2026/27 and clear dozens of bills.
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Pending matters include several private members’ bills such as the National Legal Aid Bill, the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill, and various government-sponsored legislation on copyright, forensics, and health products. The pressure is heightened by constitutional and statutory deadlines, particularly for budget approval.
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Political analysts say the low turnout reflects a common end-of-term phenomenon: defeated incumbents lose motivation, while re-elected ones prepare for the next chapter. Nearly 60% of the current MPs are not returning to the 12th Parliament, according to post-election assessments, contributing to the sense of transition and reduced engagement.
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One MP, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the scene: “The House feels like a school in its last week before holidays – many have already mentally checked out.”Opposition voices have used the moment to criticize the overall productivity of the 11th Parliament, while ruling party members highlight key achievements in legislation, oversight, and constituency development.As the clock ticks toward midnight on April 24, the focus shifts from the empty benches of today to the fresh faces expected in the 12th Parliament. For now, Uganda’s lawmakers are in a final sprint to leave a lasting legislative legacy before the chambers fall silent.
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