John Bowes Griffin was the first speaker of Uganda's Parliament.
The First Speaker of Uganda's Parliament
The role of the Speaker is crucial in the parliamentary system, presiding over the sittings of the Parliament and ensuring the orderly conduct of its business. Uganda's journey to parliamentary governance saw its first speaker take office shortly after independence.
The inaugural period for the Parliament of Uganda, known as the 1st Parliament (National Assembly), spanned from 1962 to May 1966. During this foundational period, two individuals held the position of Speaker.
Here's a breakdown of the speakers during the 1st Parliament:
| Legislature | Name | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Parliament (National Assembly) 1962–May 1966 | John Bowes Griffin | 1962–1963 |
| Narendra M. Patel | 1963–May 1966 |
As the table illustrates, John Bowes Griffin served as the very first Speaker, holding the position from 1962 to 1963, thus marking a significant milestone in Uganda's parliamentary history. He was succeeded by Narendra M. Patel, who continued in the role until May 1966.
Subsequent parliamentary periods also saw shifts in the speakership, reflecting the evolving political landscape of Uganda. For instance, Narendra M. Patel continued his tenure into the 2nd Parliament (National Assembly) from 1967 to January 1971. Notably, there was a period from 1971 to 1979 where no legislative arm of government existed, impacting the continuity of the Speaker's role.
