12th Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda 🇺🇬 | MP West Budama Central, Christian, Husband, Father, Advocate & Proud Child of Tororo District.
Uganda
Joined September 2011
- Tweets1.3K
- Following525
- Followers16.6K
- Likes2.6K
This morning, I bid farewell to H.E. Majid Saffar, Iran’s Ambassador to Uganda, who called on me at the end of his four-year tour of duty.
The Ambassador noted that agreements signed between Uganda and Iran on judicial cooperation, customs, banking and trade have stalled at the final stage of administrative review.
From my background in Defence, I know executive channels often face bureaucratic bottlenecks. I proposed parliamentary diplomacy to break this deadlock, with Parliament creating direct frameworks, incentive laws and business connections between our two countries.
To anchor this, I committed to reviving the Iran-Uganda Parliamentary Friendship Group with a fresh cohort of Ugandan legislators.
We also discussed Iran’s offers in steel and fertilizer supply, drones for agricultural irrigation and security, and fully funded scholarships for Ugandan students.
I thank Ambassador Saffar for his service and wish him well in his next assignment.
This morning, I officially opened the first Annual Review Workshop of the Legislation, Oversight and Representation (LOR) Programme in the 12th Parliament. The workshop was organised by Parliament’s Corporate Planning and Strategy Department.
The workshop lets us reflect on how the programme performed in the first year of the Fourth National Development Plan and Government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy. We will look at how far we have come, where we fell short, and what we can do better.
The LOR Programme exists to serve Ugandans. When we enact good laws, scrutinise how public resources are used and speak for our constituents, we turn government promises into real change in people’s lives.
We must ask ourselves honest questions. Are laws at national and local government levels enacted on time?
Does our oversight deliver the change citizens expect? Are their concerns considered during appropriation?
I emphasised three things. A programme must be planned, budgeted for, implemented and reported on as one. It must be owned by all partners and actors. And our work must be driven by evidence, sound data and timely reporting.
I urged participants to leave with practical commitments for the coming financial year.
Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) retweeted
🇺🇬 Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, has told Parliament that he and the Speaker are receiving calls over the ongoing validation and verification of Parliament staff, including calls from some MPs.
“If at verification they are asking for your appointment letter, they are asking for your academic documents, your national ID, now why do you call a speaker to help you?” he said.
He said the exercise aims to ensure the institution has the right people in the right positions.
Photo by Parliament
Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) retweeted
Thank you for this endorsement my mentor and first boss, Senior @cobbo3! Rt. Hon @ObothOboth's mission of a people-centred parliament is on course. We await your wisdom and objective analysis in your sacred spaces when your ear picks something on one of the parliamentary grounds soon!
Witchcraft in Uganda Parliament After All: Speaker Oboth-Oboth Has Cast a Spell of Good Manners
So it’s true after all: one individual can make a difference.
Lawyer Jacob Oboth-Oboth is Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament. A low-key man by temperament, he gave little hint of how he would “rule”, and his start was worrying.
At a thanksgiving service on June 8, he spoke of rumours of witchcraft and supernatural manipulation in Parliament, declaring that his faith made him immune to dark forces. Here, it seemed, was yet another juju-obsessed politician. At the same service he paraded his wives, raising fears of polygamous drama to come (although editors were probably silently hoping such drama would bring good ratings🤣).
Perhaps we had simply been conditioned by the theatrics of his erratic, volatile and extravagant predecessor, the one and only Anita Annet Among, who was felled spectacularly by the army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and his Patriotic League of Uganda brigade.
Oboth-Oboth has bucked the trend. An unusual calm has settled over Parliament. Legislators are more serious and thoughtful, and the tantrums are gone. The Speaker talks softly, is remarkably tolerant of the Opposition (whom Among hounded and humiliated at every turn), and has said the right things about freedom.
Perhaps he simply hasn’t been tested yet. President Yoweri Museveni has not yet tabled an amendment pushing the 2031 election back to 2033, or asked for a $750 million bailout for a political crony to go through without debate. When that day comes, the mask may slip and the fangs come out.
For now, though, he has shown how much difference civility, democratic accommodation, and simply not being foul-mouthed and arrogant can make. Now, if he can only get rid of that colonial Speaker’s wig.
Fellow citizens,
I have seen some reports in the media about the on-going validation exercise of the staff of the Parliamentary Service.
There is no panic. There's bliss!
For fairness and transparency, I requested the assistance of Head of Public Service because Parliamentary service is indeed Public Service .
It is not the interest of the new leadership of Parliament to see anyone lose a job. The nation should not overthink this. Everyone should take it easy and keep serving.
I would like to assure the country that this exercise is a normal process. What we are doing is a simple exercise of restoring morale ,intergrity and sanity in the parliamentary service.
When you are called a senior, you should actually be a senior. When you are a principal, you should actually be a principal. You can become a director whether you joined in 2024 or 2026, but it must come with the right qualifications and experience.
Think of public service as a race.
Everyone should begin from the same starting line and run fairly to the finish. That is all this validation seeks to ensure.
I grew up through merit. I did interviews from the entry point and was shortlisted among many. I had no god parent in public service God was instead, my parent. I know it is possible to grow. And as Parliamentary Service, we are taking the lead on this.
I, therefore, appeal for patience and all staff should remain calm and go about their activities normally.
Today morning, I was honored to flag off an important run for CURE brain surgery hospital to save lives.
Standing alongside Honorable Minister @honlydiawanyoto , fellow Members of Parliament, and well-wishers, I was reminded that this hospital brings life not just to hundreds, but millions, because saving a single life touches everyone.
CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda in Mbale has spent a decade running to support the smallest among us, performing specialized pediatric brain surgeries for conditions like hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
Having previously come here with a patient, I am here as a witness to pay back and support a facility that does something truly great in Uganda and across Eastern and Central Africa.
A heartfelt thank you to all the runners for your incredible contribution today, and let us continue letting the world know about the life-saving work of CURE Hospital.
God bless you all!
Having previously come here with a patient, I am here as a witness to pay back and support a facility that does something truly great in Uganda and across Eastern and Central Africa.
A heartfelt thank you to all the runners for your incredible contribution today, and let us continue letting the world know about the life-saving work of CURE Hospital.
God bless you all!
Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) retweeted
The Speaker of Parliament, @ObothOboth, has revealed that starting next week, all employees of Parliament will undergo a validation exercise intended to weed out those who were illegally recruited.
@simugabi
#NBSLiveAt9 #NBSUpdates
This morning, I had a wonderful meeting with Mr. Amin Mawji, the AKDN Diplomatic Representative in Uganda, to discuss their ongoing and future development initiatives.
I strongly commend the Aga Khan Development Network for their extraordinary commitment to Uganda’s progress, particularly in the key sectors of education, health, and energy.
What stands out most about the Aga Khan institutions is their deep-rooted focus on long-term national growth rather than short-term profit.
Their decades of service speak for themselves; from resolving our country's major energy crisis through the Bujagali power project to establishing Air Uganda when we needed a national carrier.
Today, that remarkable legacy continues with major multi-million dollar investments, including modern pharmaceutical manufacturing plants currently under construction in the Namanve Industrial Park and the state-of-the-art Aga Khan University Hospital in Nakawa, set to fully open next year.
We truly cherish this enduring, impactful partnership and look forward to seeing these critical projects transform the lives of our people and drive sustainable socioeconomic transformation across our nation.
I have today met and briefed delegation of Members of Parliament ahead of their Parliamentary visit to Pakistan for the International Parliamentarians ‘Conference on Climate Change, scheduled for 19-20 October 2026 in Islamabad.
This part of our continued strategy on parliamentary democracy augmenting traditional diplomacy to strengthen our bilateral relations with brother nations across the world.
The delegation comprises Hon. Bagiire Aggrey Henry, Hon. Owino Nicholas, Hon. Namutaawe Joan, Hon. Ogama Alli Ismail, and technical staff led by Dr. Deo Arinaitwe Rugyendo.
I have stressed the importance of strengthening Uganda – Pakistan relations, especially through parliamentary diplomacy. This team’s participation is very critical in our journey of advancing practical solutions to climate change and water security challenges that affect our people.
I urged the delegation to put Uganda’s national interests first, participate constructively, uphold diplomatic protocol, and represent our country with integrity, patriotism and professionalism.
I have emphasized that this visit should go beyond dialogue to deliver tangible outcomes, including stronger bilateral cooperation, knowledge exchange and actionable recommendations that support Uganda’s climate resilience, water security and sustainable development.
Yesterday, I officiated as Chief Guest at the 3rd CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting and High-Level Dialogue on “Accelerating Uganda’s Green Economy Transition through Digital Transformation.”
In my remarks I observed that we cannot win a battle with Mother Nature. As Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’, “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.”
We face not two crises but one - environmental and social. The last eleven years were the hottest on record. In 2025 the planet was about 1.43°C warmer than pre-industrial levels.
Africa emits under 4% of global greenhouse gases yet loses 2–5% of GDP yearly to climate shocks. Uganda’s forest cover has fallen from 24% in 1990 to 11.8% today.
Between 2020 and 2025 we lost 38,000 hectares a year — one football pitch every ten minutes. Parliament will continue to legislate, appropriate and oversee so that climate priorities become action.
We welcome the One Constituency One Million Trees Initiative and look forward to the 7th SDG Run on 8 November 2026.
The green transition is also an opportunity for investment, innovation and jobs. The climate belongs to us all. We can never win a fight against Mother Nature.
I thank the organisers for the wonderful appreciation award!
This afternoon in my communication to the House, I welcomed Members and reported on our recent Inter-Parliamentary Union engagements in Arusha, Tanzania.
Our hosts received us warmly in the true East African spirit. I congratulated Hon. @EvelyneNinsiim1 on her appointment to the IPU High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, and Hon. Juliet Achayo Lodou on her appointment to the Committee on Peace and International Security.
Our participation also included the EAC Speakers’ Bureau meeting, where we discussed preparations for the December EAC Parliamentary Games. Uganda has a strong sporting reputation, and I urged our teams to prepare well.
The House then adopted the report of the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, presented by MP Patrick Aeku, on human-wildlife conflicts.
Key recommendations include a dedicated ring-fenced HWC Mitigation and Compensation Fund, increased budgets and equipment for the HWC Division including phased electric fencing, a national digital management system within 12 months, an inter-ministerial coordination committee, integration of HWC into land-use plans, stronger community participation, and accelerated review of the Wildlife Act. Prevention must come first, with fair and timely compensation as a safety net.
After a spirited debate, the report was adopted. I thank the 49 Members who contributed—time was limited—and the Committee leadership and members. The 12th Parliament has a distinctive breed of committees producing unique work.
The Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, a Private Member’s Bill by Hon. Bukenya Michael Iga (Bukuya County), was also tabled and the member granted for leave of parliament to present it.
Patient safety and quality healthcare remain central to our people-centred legislation.
Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) retweeted
Yesterday I represented Rt Hon @ObothOboth at the 2nd National Annual Disability Run in Kampala. This run focused at raising resources to support construction of a entrepreneural skilling hub for PWDs. This will reduce vulnerabilities of PWDs & raise their contribution to GDP.
Today, I received the Inspectorate of Government’s 55th Bi-Annual Performance Report (January–June 2026) from the Inspector General of Government, Hon. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, and her team. Coming to Parliament with the whole team was unprecedented, and I thank them sincerely.
Corruption is not done in the forest. It is among us. It is also an industry, internationally known, and those in it are learning how to steal without being caught. The Inspectorate of Government (IG) must up its game, and Parliament will support the retooling of its staff, the filling of 168 vacant posts and the closing of legal gaps. The law is not static.
I have directed that the report be placed on tomorrow’s Order Paper so that the House can act on its findings without delay.
I have also directed the Clerk to furnish the IG with all parliamentary recommendations for action!
Inspectorate, we are here to support you.
Thank you Rt. Hon First Deputy Prime Minister. Seamless crossborder trade is a critical component in our growth strategy!
Hon Speaker, i have instructed the works Ministry to fast-track the acquisition of land for the Mulwanda Border, your message will re-inforce the process @ObothOboth
Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) retweeted
Hon Speaker, i have instructed the works Ministry to fast-track the acquisition of land for the Mulwanda Border, your message will re-inforce the process @ObothOboth
Why does the Mulwanda road matter so much?
As Hon. Maganda observed, the Kenyan government has already completed its road up to the border river at Mulwanda. What remains is Uganda’s 12-kilometre stretch from Lumino, which is still unpaved.
The Minister put it plainly to the Ministry of Works engineers who were present: our people are not asking for very expensive things. They are asking for a road. If tarmac cannot come immediately, we start with murram so that vehicles can begin moving.
Once open, this route will divert heavy commercial trucks away from Busia town. That means less congestion at the border, fewer accidents and more trade.
We were joined by the Governor of Busia County in Kenya, Dr. Paul Otuoma, who reminded us that a fully operational Mulwanda crossing would fulfil a dream elders on both sides have held for over a century. He also pointed to the Memorandum of Understanding signed under UN-Habitat to create the Larger Busia Metropolis, and to the extension of the Naivasha railway to Uganda.
Governor Otuoma urged the Ugandan government to complete the link, noting that Uganda is their largest trading partner in this region. I thank him for standing with us. Our part must now be done.
THE TRADE LINK UGANDA AND KENYA DESERVE!
Yesterday, I had the honour of joining the people of Samia Bugwe South as Chief Guest at the thanksgiving ceremony of Hon. Julius Wandera Maganda, held at Butenge Primary School in Lunyo, Busia District.
In my address, I took keen interest in the long standing call by our elders, including Justice James Ogoola, who have been asking for the construction of the 12-kilometre stretch at Mulwanda. Their request is a fair one.
I therefore took the opportunity to direct the Ministry of Works and Transport to work on this road immediately, to ease the movement of our people.
The road will run through Lumino Sub-County and open a third border connection between Uganda and Kenya. It will decongest the heavily used Busia and Malaba crossings and give our traders a faster, cheaper route for cross-border business.
As leaders from the same region, Hon. Maganda and I understand the aspirations of our people. Our communities continue to raise concerns about the condition of roads, railway development and other infrastructure needs that affect their daily lives.
Those concerns deserve action. The Mulwanda road is a practical place to begin, and I look forward to seeing the Ministry of Works and Transport move quickly so that our people can feel the difference.
I congratulate Hon. Julius Wandera Maganda on two important milestones: his re-election as Member of Parliament for Samia Bugwe South, and his appointment as Minister of State for Works and Transport.
Honourable Maganda, your re-election reflects the trust the people have placed in you. Your appointment by His Excellency the President gives you an opportunity to contribute further to our country’s development.
The appointment of one of our own to this important Ministry naturally raises expectations. I encourage you to ensure that the concerns of our region are brought to the attention of Government, and that our priority infrastructure needs receive due consideration within national plans and available resources.
But the duty goes beyond the region. While serving our people here, we must remember that your responsibility extends to the entire country.
In Parliament, we shall continue to play our respective roles in legislation, budgeting and oversight to support infrastructure development and service delivery across Uganda.
Yours is a call to greater service. Remain humble, accessible and committed to the needs of the people.
To the people of Samia Bugwe South and Busia District: keep supporting your leaders, and keep holding them accountable. Development requires cooperation between leaders, Government and the people.
I emphasized the fact that Roads alone will not end poverty in Mulwanda and across the country. Our people must also earn.
I was encouraged by the plans Hon. Maganda shared for Samia Bugwe South: a hatchery in every village able to hatch 5,000 eggs a month, and a target of 4 million coffee and cocoa seedlings, of which 200,000 are already available. Families with an acre or half an acre of land are invited to take seedlings so that every household has a cash crop.
He also announced a UGX 600 million Village Empowerment Seed Capital to support women across the constituency from 2027 to 2030, with UGX 100 million already in place. To this, I have committed UGX 20 million form the Speaker's donation budget to this fund.
Our NRM National Treasurer, Hon. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, urged residents to build household wealth through the Parish Development Model, the 4-Acre Model and Emyooga. She appealed to Parliament to help ease Emyooga financing conditions so that youth skilled in carpentry and metal fabrication can access start-up capital more easily. I have taken note.
Finally, I urge leaders across the Bukedi region to meet ahead of national budget planning so that we address regional poverty and drive economic growth together.
Let us continue supporting our elected representatives, H.E. President Museveni and the NRM manifesto.
