Newly elected Speaker of the 12th Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has pledged to lead a corruption-free legislature, promising zero tolerance for graft and a renewed commitment to integrity in the House.
In his maiden speech after being elected Speaker, Oboth-Oboth declared that fighting corruption would be one of the defining pillars of his leadership.
“I pledge a corruption-free Parliament. Under my leadership, we will cultivate a culture of absolute integrity and zero tolerance for corruption,” he told MPs shortly after taking the Speaker’s chair.
The pledge comes at a time when Parliament has faced intense public scrutiny over corruption allegations involving senior parliamentary officials, including Oboth-Oboth’s predecessor, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing but remains at the centre of ongoing public debate over accountability and use of public resources.
Oboth-Oboth sought to position his tenure as one focused on restoring public confidence in the institution, emphasizing that Parliament exists to serve Ugandans rather than those who occupy leadership positions.
“My role now is to come before you and ensure that, working together, the voices of the over 48 million Ugandans who send us to this House are heard, protected and respected,” he said.
He added: “The Speaker’s chair is not a throne; it is a servant post.”
The West Budama Central MP was elected Speaker after securing a commanding 441 votes in a three-way contest held during the first sitting of the 12th Parliament.
His closest challenger, NUP’s Paul Mwiru, garnered 60 votes, while Democratic Party President General Norbert Mao received 15 votes. Three ballots were spoiled and there were no abstentions, bringing the total number of votes cast to 519.
Oboth-Oboth was nominated by Vice President Jessica Alupo and seconded by Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who described him as a seasoned legislator with the experience required to lead the House.
Upon his election, the new Speaker thanked MPs for entrusting him with what he described as the highest office in Parliament.
“I thank members for entrusting me today with the highest office of being your Speaker, which responsibility I receive with utmost humility and modesty,” he said.
He also began his remarks by thanking God for what he described as a historic moment.
“Allow me to start by thanking God for the great day that the Lord has made. It is one of those great moments in our nation’s history only made possible by the Almighty God,” he said.
With an overwhelming mandate from MPs and a promise to tackle corruption, attention will now shift to how the new Speaker translates his anti-corruption pledge into action as the 12th Parliament begins its work.
Election Results
- Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth (NRM) – 441 votes
- Paul Mwiru (NUP) – 60 votes
- Norbert Mao (DP) – 15 votes
- Spoilt ballots – 3
- Abstentions – 0
- Total ballots cast – 519