OPINION: Oboth-Oboth: A Steady & Credible Choice for Speaker – Kabyanga

By Kabyanga Milly Felix.

At critical moments in a nation’s political journey, institutions require leaders whose character, experience, and sense of duty can restore confidence and strengthen public trust. Our Parliament today finds itself at such a moment when the institution faces increased public scrutiny and citizens demand leadership rooted in integrity, discipline, humility, and accountability.

It is within this context that Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth emerges as one of the most suitable and dependable leaders for the office of Speaker of the 12th Parliament.

Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth has steadily risen through the political ranks through loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), disciplined public service and unwavering respect for national institutions. Oboth-Oboth has earned respect through consistency, humility, professionalism, and mature leadership.

His journey in public service reflects a leader shaped by patience, commitment and belief in the stability and continuity of Uganda’s governance structures.

A Leader Defined by Loyalty and Discipline:

In politics, loyalty and consistency remain among the rarest qualities. Hon. Oboth-Oboth has demonstrated both throughout his service to the party and the country. His rise has not been driven by personal grandstanding or divisive populism but rather by disciplined service and a clear understanding of the values and principles that have sustained the NRM over the years. He has remained committed to protecting the unity of the party while also respecting the constitutional institutions of government and that level of discipline is particularly important for the office of Speaker.

The Speaker of Parliament must rise above political excitement and temporary populist pressure. The role requires maturity, emotional intelligence, neutrality and the ability to manage sharp political differences without destabilising the institution and Hon. Oboth-Oboth possesses those qualities in abundance.

His calm temperament and measured approach to leadership make him well suited to preside over a Parliament that will likely contain strong political opinions, energetic young legislators and increasing public pressure.

A Man of Humility and Respect:

One of the strongest pillars of Hon. Oboth-Oboth’s public image is his humility. At a time when politics across the continent is increasingly associated with arrogance, insults and unnecessary confrontation. he has maintained a respectful and composed approach towards colleagues, leaders and citizens alike. Leadership is not only about power and authority, it is also about conduct, emotional restraint and the ability to unite people despite differences and Hon. Oboth-Oboth has consistently projected decency, patience and professionalism in his public engagements. Those are qualities Parliament urgently requires if it is to regain public confidence and restore institutional dignity. Uganda needs a Speaker who will cool political temperatures rather than inflame them.

A Speaker who listens before reacting:

A Speaker who understands that the dignity of Parliament is greater than personal political battles and Hon. Oboth-Oboth represents that kind of leadership.

The Institutional Sanitiser Parliament Needs:

At a time when Parliament has faced criticism over accountability, expenditure and public perception, the institution requires a leader capable of acting as a strong institutional sanitiser and Hon. Oboth-Oboth comes into this conversation with a reputation associated with honesty, integrity, discipline and calm leadership. His image offers Parliament an opportunity to reset and reconnect with Ugandans who increasingly desire transparency, seriousness and responsible stewardship from public officials.

The office of Speaker carries enormous symbolic weight. It must inspire confidence both inside Parliament and among ordinary citizens across the country. Parliament cannot effectively perform its constitutional role if the public loses trust in the integrity of the institution and this is why the next Speaker must embody credibility and moral steadiness.

Hon. Oboth-Oboth’s leadership style naturally projects order, restraint, professionalism and institutional respect which are qualities capable of restoring confidence in the House.

Oboth-Oboth’s leadership would likely strengthen:

• Respect for parliamentary procedure
• Discipline and professionalism within the House
• Accountability and responsible debate
• Institutional independence
• Constructive engagement across political divides
• Public confidence in Parliament

These are not small qualities but are foundational requirements for rebuilding the credibility of our legislature.

Experience and Institutional Understanding:

The office of Speaker is too important for political experimentation. It demands someone with deep understanding of governance, parliamentary procedure, constitutional order and state institutions and with Hon. Oboth-Oboth’s years in public service have equipped him with valuable institutional knowledge and political maturity. He understands the delicate balance between Parliament and the Executive while appreciating the importance of maintaining institutional harmony for national stability.

His experience positions him to guide the 12th Parliament with steadiness, wisdom and discipline during a period where the country requires calm and responsible leadership. The Speaker must be able to manage heated debates, competing interests and political pressures without compromising the dignity of Parliament and in his service to this country, Hon. Oboth-Oboth has demonstrated the patience and maturity required for that responsibility.

A Unifying Figure for the 12th Parliament:

Uganda’s next Parliament is expected to consist of a more vocal, energetic and politically diverse membership. Managing such a House will require a leader capable of balancing firmness with diplomacy. Hon. Oboth-Oboth’s personality and leadership style make him uniquely positioned to bridge generational, ideological and political differences.

He is viewed as approachable, respectful, and institutionally grounded which are characteristics that can help reduce unnecessary confrontation within Parliament and encourage more constructive national dialogue.

Rather than turning Parliament into a theatre of endless political conflict, his leadership would likely focus on preserving order, encouraging meaningful debate and strengthening the legislative role of the House.

The Right Leader for the Present Moment:

Every generation produces leaders whose character fits the demands of their time. Uganda’s current political atmosphere requires leaders capable of restoring institutional credibility, strengthening discipline, and promoting unity over division and Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth embodies many of those qualities.

His loyalty to the NRM, his disciplined public service, his humility, and his respectable public image position him as one of the strongest candidates for Speaker of the 12th Parliament. At a moment when Parliament requires moral steadiness, institutional maturity, and renewed public confidence, Hon. Oboth-Oboth stands out as a leader capable of guiding the House with dignity, professionalism and national purpose.

Uganda deserves a Speaker who will protect the integrity of Parliament, command respect across political lines, and place the institution above personal interests and Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth has demonstrated that he is capable of being that leader.

The writer is a Manufacturer, ICT consultant, Businessman, a Musevenist and Muhoozist.