Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly approved the appointment of Jessica Rose Alupo Epel as Uganda’s Vice President following her nomination by President Yoweri Museveni earlier this week. She will serve her second term as Vice President of Uganda. Alupo became the second woman, after Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, to be appointed by President Museveni to serve as the Vice President of Uganda
The motion for her approval was moved by veteran politician Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, who praised Alupo as a seasoned leader, patriot, and disciplined public servant with vast experience in government and the military. Alupo, the Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District, was appointed by President Museveni on Tuesday.
Several people packed the gallery as the 12th Parliament undertook one of its firts assignments since MPS were took the oath. The house also approved the appointment of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. The full-packed House was presided over by the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth.
Moving the motion under Article 108(2) of the Constitution, Kamuntu described Alupo as a “mother, pan-Africanist, result-oriented, humble and determined scholar” who has dedicated her life to public service.
He highlighted her academic achievements, noting that she is currently pursuing a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies at Makerere University and also holds honorary doctorates from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and another institution in China. Alupo also holds a Master’s degree from Uganda Management Institute and a Bachelor’s degree from Makerere University.
Kamuntu further told the House that Alupo served in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and retired with the rank of Major. He said her political career spans several parliaments, having served in the 8th, 9th, 11th, and now the 12th Parliament. “She has served diligently as Minister of State for Youth, Minister of Education and Sports, among other positions, and has been recognised by various institutions as a transformative leader,” Kamuntu said.
The motion was seconded by Minser Kabanda, who described Alupo as disciplined and resilient because of her military background. “She has carried the voices of Ugandans to the world stage. Approving her is a vote of confidence in her virtues and continuity in service,” Kabanda told Parliament.
Several legislators supported the motion, including Omoro District Woman Representative Catherine Lamwaka, who described Alupo as a God-fearing and dedicated leader with a distinguished political career. Soroti City West MP David Calvin Echodu said Alupo embodies humility, teamwork, and results-oriented leadership.
“Approving her is a testament to continued service to the people of Uganda,” Echodu said. In a departure from Parliament’s traditional voice vote system of “ayes” and “nays,” Speaker Oboth-Oboth directed that voting be conducted row by row through a show of hands.
At the end of the exercise, 325 Members of Parliament voted in support of Alupo’s appointment, 18 voted against, while four abstained.
Parliament also approved the appointment of Robinah Nabbanja as Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business. The motion for Nabbanja’s approval was moved by Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who hailed her as an experienced leader with an impressive public service record.
Aceng said Nabbanja, who is pursuing a PhD at Nkumba University, previously served as Prime Minister, Minister of State for Health in charge of General Duties, Parliamentary Commissioner in the 10th Parliament, Resident District Commissioner, and has represented Kakumiro District in Parliament since 2011. She credited Nabbanja with strong performance during her previous tenure as Prime Minister, citing government business statistics in Parliament.
“During her leadership, 82 percent of bills were introduced, 96 percent of motions submitted, 99 percent of ministers’ questions responded to, 93 percent of ministerial statements issued, and 100 percent of treasury memoranda handled,” Aceng said.
Aceng also praised Nabbanja as the first woman to serve as Prime Minister in Uganda. The motion was seconded by Nakapiripirit District Woman Representative Esther Anyakun. The approvals pave the way for the two leaders to formally assume their respective offices in the new government arrangement announced by President Museveni-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
