In a rare departure from established legislative tradition, Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County, took his parliamentary oath in a special ceremony held inside the Parliament Conference Hall.
Unlike the standard protocol where legislators take their oath at the parliamentary pulpit, the 12th Parliament exercised flexibility to accommodate members with unique health and safety challenges.
Moses Ali’s Resilience Amidst Health Concerns
The decision to move the ceremony to the Conference Hall was primarily due to Gen. Moses Ali’s ongoing health challenges. Despite reportedly receiving medical advice to take a leave of rest and consider retirement from active politics, the veteran statesman chose to proceed with his swearing-in, demonstrating his commitment to his constituents.
Special Accommodations for Enos Asiimwe
Moses Ali was not the only legislator to receive special accommodation. Enos Asiimwe, the MP for Kabula County, also took his oath in the Conference Hall.
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The Reason: Asiimwe is currently recovering from a brutal physical attack in Lyantonde District earlier this year, which left him with severe injuries that made the traditional pulpit ceremony difficult.
Procedural Oversight by Adolf Mwesige
The Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, personally presided over the ceremonies for both MPs. Legislative experts note that while the pulpit remains the symbolic heart of the swearing-in process, the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure allow for such modifications to ensure the safety and wellbeing of members.
Parliamentary Flexibility and Member Welfare
The rest of the 12th Parliament legislators followed the traditional process at the pulpit. However, the separate ceremony for Ali and Asiimwe has been praised as a sign of institutional empathy.
Summary of Special Oath Takers:
| Member of Parliament | Constituency | Reason for Accommodation |
| Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali | Adjumani West County | Chronic health challenges & medical directives. |
| Hon. Enos Asiimwe | Kabula County | Recovery from physical assault and injuries. |
As the new parliamentary term begins, all eyes remain on the veteran Gen. Moses Ali and how his health will permit him to execute his duties in the busy legislative calendar.
