The Office of the Speaker

The Speaker is the head and principal spokesperson of Parliament. The Office of the Speaker provides leadership to the Legislature and represents the institution in its dealings with the other arms of the State and with bodies outside Uganda.

Article 82 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of Parliament, elected by Members of Parliament from among their own number. The Speaker presides over sittings of the House; in the Speaker's absence the Deputy Speaker presides and exercises the same authority.

• Presides over all sittings of Parliament and enforces its Rules of Procedure.
• Chairs the Parliamentary Commission, the Committee on Appointments and the Business Committee.
• Represents Parliament in its corporate and institutional relations.
• May, after consultation with the President, prorogue Parliament by proclamation.
• May appoint by proclamation the place and time for Parliament to meet within Uganda.

Beyond the Chamber, the Speaker sets the standard for the conduct of parliamentary business, safeguards the independence and dignity of the Legislature and upholds the rights and privileges of Members.

The Speaker represents the Parliament of Uganda in inter‑parliamentary organisations and in regional and international forums, and receives visiting delegations to Parliament.

The Office of the Speaker works alongside the Office of the Deputy Speaker. Both are supported by the Parliamentary Service, which is headed by the Clerk to Parliament.