The newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, has pledged to preside over a corruption-free and results-driven Parliament, vowing to strengthen accountability, transparency, and service delivery in the 12th Parliament.
Delivering his maiden address after being sworn in on Monday, Oboth-Oboth said his election to the highest office of Parliament was a reflection of “divine grace” and the will of Ugandans, which he said he accepts with humility.
He thanked God for what he described as a historic moment in Uganda’s democratic journey, citing biblical references from Isaiah 60:22 and Habakkuk 2:3 to underscore his message of patience and divine timing.
“I stand before you not in this Speaker’s regalia by accident, but because God has made it all possible,” he said.
The Speaker traced his journey from humble beginnings in Muwafu, Tororo District, noting that perseverance and faith had shaped his rise to national leadership.
He also expressed gratitude to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the confidence placed in him over the years, as well as Members of Parliament for entrusting him with the office of Speaker.
Oboth-Oboth pledged to serve all legislators regardless of political affiliation, emphasizing inclusivity and unity in the House.
“To those who may not have voted for me, I will be your Speaker too,” he said.
The new Speaker committed to reforming Parliament’s institutional culture, promising zero tolerance for corruption and enhanced accountability mechanisms within the House.
He stressed that accountability must begin with Parliament itself before being extended to the Executive and other arms of government.
“We must first hold ourselves accountable before we hold others accountable,” he said.
Oboth-Oboth further promised that Parliament under his leadership would focus on delivering results that directly respond to citizens’ needs, stating that budgeting and appropriation must be aligned to tangible outcomes rather than procedural formalities.
He also underscored the need for an open Parliament, noting that the media plays a critical role as a bridge between the legislature and the public.
“The media is not our enemy, but the public’s eye,” he said, pledging greater transparency in parliamentary proceedings.
On oversight, he said Parliament must strengthen its watchdog role to prevent misuse of public funds, urging committees to act proactively rather than reactively.
The Speaker called on Members of Parliament to embrace integrity, humility, and service as guiding principles in executing their duties, adding that he remains committed to maintaining his character despite the demands of office.
“I remain the same person and will not change in character or commitment,” he said.
Oboth-Oboth concluded by calling for unity in service of Ugandans, urging MPs to work collectively to restore public trust in Parliament and ensure effective governance.