THE MACE

Source: The office of the Clerk to the Parliament of Uganda The Mace is an ornamental club (made of brass) carried by the Sergeant – at – Arms, to whom is assigned the duty of attending to the Speaker of Parliament. The Sergeant – at –Arms is the ceremonial custodian of the Mace and the implementer of all orders and actions requested by the Speaker through the use of the Mace. It is an important symbol of authority bestowed on Parliamentarians. It is an expression of honour and high regard that electorates have for their elected representatives in Parliament; to meet and to decide on the destiny of the country. Without the Mace in position, Parliaments cannot sit and debate. MOVEMENT OF THE MACE The Mace is carried in and out of the Chamber by the Sergeant – at –Arms in a procession at the beginning and end of each Sitting. POSITION OF THE MACE ON THE TABLE During any sitting of Parliament, the Mace lies in a special holder (upper brackets) in front of the Clerk’s table. Position of the Mace during Proceedings of the Committee of the Whole House Whenever Parliament resolves itself into a Committee of the Whole House, and the Speaker is the Chairperson, the Sergeant – at – Arms approaches the Clerk’s table and moves the Mace to the lower brackets of the special holder. When the Committee of the Whole House concludes business, the Sergeant – at – Arms returns the Mace to the upper bracket of the special holder.