Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza Ready to Serve Her Constituents after Taking Oath

*By John Kusolo*

Grace Ngabirano Akifeza has officially taken the oaths of allegiance and of Member of Parliament as the new representative for Kisoro District. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, 26 November 2023, marked her formal entry into the 11th Parliament following her decisive victory in the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election held on 14 November 2024.

Ngabirano, an Independent candidate, replaces the late Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, who tragically passed away in September 2024. Nyirabashitsi, who also served as the State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, was a prominent figure in Kisoro District and beyond.

The by-election saw Ngabirano secure a total of 50,459 votes, surpassing her closest competitor, Rose Kabagenyi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party, who garnered 44,982 votes. Her victory was declared by the Electoral Commission, paving the way for her to complete the remaining term of the 11th Parliament.

*Speaker Among Congratulates Ngabirano*

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, presided over the sitting during which Ngabirano took her oaths. Among congratulated the new MP on her successful election and encouraged her to champion the interests of the people of Kisoro.

“I want to urge you to be a leader by serving the people of Kisoro and bringing them closer to Parliament. Start from where the late Nyirabashitsi left,” Among said, emphasizing the importance of continuity in leadership.

In line with parliamentary tradition, the Speaker presented Hon. Ngabirano with copies of the Constitution of Uganda and the Rules of Procedure of Parliament to guide her legislative responsibilities.

*Committee Assignments*

In her first step toward contributing to parliamentary business, Ngabirano has been designated to serve on two key committees: the Sectoral Committee on Education and Sports and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Local Government). These assignments underscore her readiness to engage in critical legislative oversight and contribute to shaping policies that affect Ugandans at both the local and national levels.

*A Background in Human Rights*

Ngabirano brings a wealth of experience in human rights and community rehabilitation to her new role. She previously served as a senior rehabilitation officer with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Uganda. Her dedication to human rights advocacy later saw her take up a position with the National Human Rights Organization of Kenya, where she worked on advancing the rights of marginalized groups.

Her professional background positions her uniquely to address issues affecting her constituents, particularly in the areas of social justice, education, and local governance.

*Commitment to Kisoro’s Development*

Speaking after her swearing-in, Ngabirano reaffirmed her commitment to serving the people of Kisoro District. “I am deeply honored to represent the people of Kisoro. My mission is to continue the great work of the late Hon. Nyirabashitsi and to ensure that the voices of Kisoro’s residents are heard in Parliament,” she stated.

Ngabirano pledged to focus on key areas of development, including improving access to education, enhancing healthcare services, and advocating for gender equality and social inclusion.

*Upholding a People-Centered Parliament*

The Speaker’s call for Ngabirano to support the mission of creating a people-centered Parliament resonates with her constituents' needs. By bridging the gap between Kisoro and the legislative body, Ngabirano is expected to champion policies that directly benefit her district, from infrastructure development to strengthening local governance structures.

*The Road Ahead*

As she assumes her parliamentary duties, Hon. Ngabirano faces the task of building on her predecessor's legacy while addressing new challenges. Her committee assignments will allow her to play an integral role in shaping education policies and scrutinizing local government expenditures.

Her human rights expertise is anticipated to guide her approach to advocacy and policy-making, ensuring that Kisoro District’s unique challenges are addressed with empathy and effectiveness.

Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza’s swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kisoro District. With her background, dedication, and legislative roles, she is poised to serve diligently and make a lasting impact on her constituents.