Politics 9 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Defend all legislation passed by 11th Parliament, urges Obua
Outgoing Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua has urged ruling NRM MPs to stand by and defend all laws enacted by the 11th Parliament, asserting they were designed for the benefit of Ugandans. Obua highlighted that 138 Bills, the highest number in recent parliamentary history, were passed during their term. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/defend-laws-we-passed-in-11th-parliament-obua-tells-nrm-mps-5452600
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua has strongly defended the raft of Bills, including controversial ones, passed by the 11th Parliament. Obua stated that these laws are ultimately intended to serve the best interests of Ugandans.
Speaking at a farewell meeting with NRM regional whips and parliamentary staff, Obua expressed pride in the legislative achievements of his tenure. He emphasized that his role in ensuring NRM MPs consistently attended Parliament was crucial in the successful passage of government-backed Bills. “As government Chief Whip, I will stand and defend any decision that we made as Parliament [and] as a party during my time and season,” he declared.
Obua encouraged his colleagues and staff to remain steadfast in their support for the enacted legislation, positioning themselves on the “side of truth.” He addressed the occasional resistance encountered, attributing it partly to civil society organizations and individuals seeking to exploit legal loopholes for illicit activities. He reiterated that the 138 Bills passed represent a significant legislative output for the 11th Parliament.
Among the notable legislations mentioned were the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) Bills, and amendments to the National Social Security Fund, Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act, and the Protection of Sovereignty Bill. Obua pointed out that similar, and often stricter, laws exist in other countries, suggesting a hypocrisy in foreign criticism.
The Director of the Office of the Leader of Government Business, Charles Kizza Lwanga, attributed the NRM’s legislative success to robust mobilization efforts, including the use of WhatsApp, phone calls, and SMS, coordinated by regional whips. Performance metrics showed high attendance rates from regions like Ankole, West Nile, and Elgon-Sebei. Challenges included some MPs being off social media or having outdated contact information.