New Parliament Leadership Vows to Restore Public Trust and Image

Jacob Oboth-Oboth, the newly elected Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, has committed to restoring the institution’s tarnished image, emphasizing accountability and transparency in his maiden address. He outlined a seven-point governance agenda focused on combating corruption, strengthening oversight functions, and rebuilding public confidence.

“We must start with ourselves because charity begins at home,” Oboth-Oboth stated, vowing that Parliament under his leadership would hold the Executive and other government bodies accountable. He pledged to uphold fact-based debates, conduct timely oversight, and crack down on the misuse of public funds.

A significant promise made by the new Speaker is the reopening of Parliament to ethical media houses, aiming to foster a transparent relationship with journalists. This move addresses past criticisms where journalists were denied access, with Oboth-Oboth asserting that “Unobjective and ethical media are not our enemies but the public’s eyes and ears.”

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa echoed these sentiments, pledging his support to the Speaker’s agenda. He acknowledged the previous Parliament’s struggles with allegations of corruption and maladministration, stating, “I know all the corners of the House. I know where we need to change and where we need to maintain the status quo.” Tayebwa committed to working closely with Oboth-Oboth on reforms designed to restore public confidence.

The new leadership’s promises have been met with calls from governance experts for tangible actions. Analysts stress the importance of Parliament becoming more responsive to citizens and independent in its oversight role, urging the new leadership to translate their pledges into concrete reforms. The success of this new era will hinge on their ability to demonstrate genuine change and accountability to the Ugandan public.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)