Parliament is busy this week.
From May 13th to May 15th, over 500 members of the 12th Parliament are lining up to take oath. Hand on Bible, hand on Quran, promise to serve. Three days of suits, cameras, and “I swear”.
But while the cameras focus on smiles and Kanzus, one case has everyone whispering in the corridors.
Now MP from Makindye East reportedly altered his affidavit to change names. It is further alleged that he may have used another person’s academic documents to meet qualification requirements. The claims have not been confirmed by the Electoral Commission or the courts, and now MP, has not publicly responded.
If true, that is not just politics. That is fraud.
And it raises the bigger question nobody wants to say out loud: How many other MPs who have already sworn in, and those still to be sworn in tomorrow, are alleged to have used other people’s papers and names?
What Actually Happened
The swearing-in started yesterday, 13th May 2026. It runs for three days. Over 500 MPs-elect are expected to finish by tomorrow, 15th May.
In the middle of it, reports came out that one MP-elect from Makindye East altered his affidavit. He changed names.
Allegations also say he used different names and academic papers during the process.
Now, changing names is not illegal by itself. People change names legally all the time. But changing names to hide who you are, or to use someone else’s qualifications to qualify for MP, that is a different story.
That is identity fraud. That is forgery. That is perjury, if proven.
And if you do it to get into Parliament, you are sitting in a seat you do not qualify for.
How Legal Is It?
Let us be clear,
The Constitution of Uganda and the Parliamentary Elections Act are clear:
You must be a Ugandan citizen.
You must be 18 years and above.
You must have formal education of at least A’Level standard or its equivalent.
You must not be of unsound mind.
If you used another person’s academic papers to prove you have A’Level, then you lied to the Electoral Commission. You lied under oath.
That would make your nomination illegal. That would make your swearing-in illegal.
The law says any voter, any opponent, can petition court within 30 days after results are gazetted. Court can annul your election if they find fraud, bribery, or lack of qualifications.
So swearing in today does not make you safe. If the papers are fake, court can still send you home tomorrow.
How Many Could Be Affected?
Here is where it gets uncomfortable.
We do not know.
EC verifies papers during nomination. But verification in Uganda has never been watertight. People submit documents. Officials stamp. Rarely do they call schools in Kenya, Tanzania, or village secondary schools to confirm.
So if some people decided to use someone else’s papers, chances are they passed.
Now, not everyone will be caught. But the moment one case goes to court and evidence comes out, the floodgates open.
Opponents who lost by 200 votes will dig. Journalists will dig. Civil society will dig.
And if even 15 or 20 MPs are found to have used fake names or fake papers, Parliament will be in crisis.
Imagine 20 by-elections in one year. Money wasted. People angry. Parliament stalled.
Why This Keeps Happening
Be honest. Why would someone risk this?
Because MP seat is power. Money. Influence.
MP earns about 30 million UGX per month in salary and allowances. Five years of that is 1.5 billion UGX. Add car, fuel, per diem, tenders, and you see why people will cut corners.
For some, it is easier to buy papers than to actually sit exams.
And because our system is slow, many hope by the time case goes to court, they would have already eaten for 2 years. Even if they lose seat later, they walk away richer.
That is why people take the gamble.
What Happens Next
Now that the allegations are public, three things can happen:
One, EC can investigate. If they find fraud, they can refer to DPP for criminal charges.
Two, an opponent or any voter can file election petition. Court will look at evidence. If proven, they nullify election and order by-election.
Three, Parliament can sit and pretend nothing happened. This is what usually happens. MPs protect each other. Case drags for years.
But, public pressure is different now. Social media does not forget. If people feel cheated, they will keep pushing.
The Bigger Damage
The problem is not just losing 1 seat.
Problem is trust.
If ordinary Ugandans believe Parliament is full of people with fake papers, why should they respect laws made by that Parliament?
Why should a student in Mukono study hard for UACE if he sees MP who allegedly never sat exams sitting in Parliament making laws about education?
It tells the whole country that shortcut beats hard work.
And once that message sinks in, forget about fighting corruption. Forget about service delivery.
What Should Be Done Now
This is not about one constituency alone.
First, Parliament should make swearing-in conditional. Before oath, EC should confirm all academic documents with UNEB and universities. Not after.
Second, DPP should act fast on any proven case. No dragging for 4 years. If papers are fake, charge, convict, send message.
Third, civil society and media must follow up. Don’t let this die after swearing-in ceremony.
Fourth, voters must be awake. If your MP used fake papers, do not defend them because they are “our son”. Defend truth.
Ordinary vs Elite View
For the elite in Kampala, this is gossip. Another MP scandal. They will argue in boardrooms.
For the ordinary person in Makindye, this is personal.
It means the person who is supposed to fight for your hospital, your school, your market, may not even be qualified to sit in class with you.
That is why people are angry. Not because they hate the MP. But because they feel cheated.
Last Word: Swearing In Is Not the End
Taking oath does not make you MP for life.
If your papers are fake, court will find you. If your name is fake, court will find you.
Parliament is not a hideout. It is a public office.
Over 500 MPs are swearing in this week. But the real test starts after oath. Who will survive investigation? Who will lose seat? Who will prove they belong there?
The allegations from Makindye East are just the first stone thrown in the water. The ripples will reach many.
And Uganda will be watching.
