Parliament Rolls Out Biometric Attendance System to Track MPs
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament against absenteeism following the full activation of Parliament’s electronic biometric attendance system.
The newly operational system is designed to accurately record legislators’ attendance during plenary sittings, marking a significant step toward improving accountability and discipline within Uganda’s legislature.
Addressing lawmakers, Tayebwa urged all MPs to register their attendance immediately after entering the parliamentary chamber.
“Honourable colleagues, our system for clocking in is working. We are now taking cognisance of your presence in the House. So please don’t enter the House without registering,” Tayebwa said.
New System Aims to Improve Accountability
The introduction of the biometric clock-in system comes amid growing public concern over lawmakers’ attendance, with repeated complaints that absenteeism has affected parliamentary quorum and delayed debate on critical national issues.
The electronic system is expected to provide accurate attendance records and strengthen enforcement of constitutional requirements governing MPs’ participation in House business.
MPs Risk Losing Seats Over Persistent Absenteeism
Tayebwa reminded legislators that Uganda’s Constitution provides clear penalties for unjustified absenteeism.
Under Article 83(1)(d) of the Constitution and Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, any Member of Parliament who misses 15 consecutive sittings without written permission from the Speaker—and fails to offer a satisfactory explanation before the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline—can lose their parliamentary seat.
He urged members to take the attendance requirements seriously as Parliament intensifies efforts to enforce existing laws.
Previous MPs Have Lost Their Seats
Uganda’s Parliament has previously enforced the constitutional provision against absentee legislators.
In 2014, former Bubulo West MP Tony Nsubuga Kipoi lost his parliamentary seat after the House adopted a report from the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline, which found that he had missed more than 15 consecutive sittings without authorization.
Kipoi had attended only a few sessions before ceasing to appear in Parliament, leading the House to declare his seat vacant and trigger a by-election.
Similarly, former UPDF representative Gen. David Sejusa lost his parliamentary seat during the Ninth Parliament after prolonged absence while living in exile.
Other lawmakers, including former Mityana South MP Kaddu Mukasa and former Kyadondo South MP Issa Kikungwe, were also referred to the Rules Committee over absenteeism but retained their seats following disciplinary proceedings.
Virtual Attendance Still Permitted
While encouraging physical attendance, Tayebwa acknowledged that Parliament’s Rules of Procedure allow MPs to participate virtually under specific circumstances.
He explained that members attending online will have their participation officially recorded, provided they comply with Parliament’s established procedures.
“Those who are not able to come here physically, our rules provide for virtual attendance of the House. Once you attend virtually, we record it in the recordings of Parliament,” he said.
However, he emphasized that virtual attendance must meet the same standards as physical participation.
Strict Rules for Online Participation
The Deputy Speaker outlined several requirements for lawmakers joining parliamentary proceedings remotely.
MPs must:
- Dress in official parliamentary attire.
- Use a stable internet connection.
- Participate from a private location without interruptions.
- Use secure login credentials issued daily by Parliament.
Tayebwa cautioned members against joining proceedings while traveling or engaging in other activities.
“I don’t want you to attend the session when you’re digging or you’re in a car travelling. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and you’re in a room where you are only and only you because we don’t want strangers to tag on and attend the House,” he said.
The measures are intended to safeguard the integrity, confidentiality and security of parliamentary debates and decision-making.
Parliament Tightens Enforcement
Despite maintaining provisions for virtual participation, Tayebwa stressed that physical attendance remains Parliament’s preferred mode of conducting legislative business.
The biometric attendance system was first announced during the orientation of the 12th Parliament in May, when Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige warned newly elected MPs that persistent absenteeism could ultimately cost them their seats.
The latest directive signals Parliament’s determination to strictly enforce constitutional attendance requirements while strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in Uganda’s legislative process.
