Politics 26 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
New Speaker Oboth-Oboth Faces Uphill Battle Against Corruption and Executive Overreach
Jacob Marksons Oboth takes the helm as Uganda's new Speaker of Parliament, inheriting a house plagued by corruption scandals and a history of subservience to the executive. He has pledged a new era of integrity, accountability, and transparency. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-speaker-oboth-oboth-finds-full-in-tray-at-parliament-5475022
Jacob Marksons Oboth, popularly known as Oboth-Oboth, has been elected the new Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, taking over from Anita Among amidst ongoing investigations into corruption allegations that have tarnished the previous parliamentary term. The election follows a period of political turmoil, with President Museveni reportedly intervening to remove Among from contention and subsequently endorsing Oboth.
Oboth, who enters the role with aspirations of reform, has vowed to usher in a corruption-free Parliament and foster a culture of absolute integrity. He has committed to zero tolerance for corrupt practices, aligning with the President’s call for a cleaner government.
A significant part of Oboth’s agenda includes strengthening parliamentary oversight over the executive. He has promised to hold government bodies accountable, asserting that Parliament must lead by example in demanding transparency and responsible use of public resources. This marks a potential shift from the 11th Parliament, which faced criticism for perceived deference to the executive branch.
Addressing concerns about the Speaker’s power, Oboth has stated that the “Speaker’s chair is not a throne, but a servant’s post.” He aims to ensure the voices of all Ugandans are heard and that parliamentary debates are based on facts and research, rather than hearsay or grandstanding. This contrasts with his predecessor, who was accused of stifling debate.
Furthermore, Oboth has pledged to exercise fiscal discipline, promising to tighten parliamentary budgets which have seen a substantial increase in recent years. He also signaled a commitment to media freedom, vowing to reverse the perceived heavy-handedness towards critical media houses experienced during the previous term and to foster a transparent relationship with the press.
However, challenges remain. Oboth faces the task of rebuilding public trust and ensuring genuine independence for the legislature, a sentiment echoed by some MPs who warn against executive overreach. The nation will be watching closely to see if Oboth can deliver on his promises of integrity and accountability.