The newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has pledged to lead a corruption-free, transparent, and accountable legislature, unveiling seven key pillars that he says will guide the work of the 12th Parliament over the next five years.
Delivering his inaugural address shortly after taking the Speaker’s chair today, Oboth-Oboth described his election as a reflection of “faithful and strategic patience” and attributes his rise from a humble rural background in Tororo District to divine grace.
Oboth-Oboth reached out to legislators who did not back his candidacy, promising fairness and impartiality in the management of parliamentary business.
At the heart of his agenda, Oboth-Oboth places the fight against corruption, declaring what he describes as “absolute integrity and zero tolerance” for graft in Parliament.
He says legislators must lead by example if Parliament is to effectively hold other government institutions accountable.
Oboth-Oboth assumes office at a time of heightened public expectations for parliamentary reform, following intense debate over accountability, spending, and the conduct of legislators in the previous Parliament.
His pledges now set a clear benchmark against which his leadership will be judged over the next five years.
Meanwhile, Members of Uganda’s 12th Parliament have overwhelmingly re-elected Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker, handing him a decisive victory in yesterday’s vote at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Tayebwa, who served in the same role in the 11th Parliament, secured 457 votes, far ahead of his challengers Sarah Aguti, the Dokolo District Woman MP who contested on the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ticket, who garnered 14 votes, and Asinansi Nyakato, the Hoima City Woman MP, who polled 45 votes.
His re-election means he will serve alongside newly elected Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, who won the top parliamentary seat after defeating Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party (DP) who gannerd 15 votes and Paul Mwiru of the National Unity Platform (NUP) got 60 votes.
By URN
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