Amuru Woman MP, Lucy Akello Sworn in Holding Mother Mary in Her Hands

Amuru District Woman MP Lucy Akello became one of the talking points of the 12th Parliament’s swearing-in ceremony after she took her oath of office while holding a small statue of the Virgin Mary, a moment that has since gone viral on social media.

Akello, who is serving her third term in Parliament after previously representing the constituency in the 10th and 11th Parliaments, was among 184 legislators sworn in on Wednesday, May 13, at Parliament House in Kampala.

Dressed in a blue and silver-patterned gomesi like dress, she stood confidently before the official swearing-in backdrop, statue in hand, as Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija administered the oath.

A photograph of the moment, shared by Galaxy FM Uganda, spread widely online and drew a flood of reactions from Ugandans. Many praised the public display of faith.

“The power of the Holy Mother of God,” one user commented. Another wrote: “Just like Black Jesus, she came with Black Mary.”

Others were more skeptical, with some questioning whether the gesture would translate into better service, including one commenter who wrote: “Let’s pray she doesn’t betray the Mother Mary in a few days through corruption.”

The swearing-in of the 12th Parliament is being conducted alphabetically over three days, covering May 13 to 15, with more than 500 MPs expected to complete the process by Friday. Once all members are sworn in, Parliament will proceed to elect its leadership and begin legislative business.

Akello is a social worker affiliated with the Forum for Democratic Change.