Oboth-Oboth, Tayebwa Vow to Clean Up Parliament as Corruption Fight Takes Centre Stage
Uganda's newly elected Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa have pledged to restore public confidence in Parliament through an aggressive anti-corruption drive and institutional reforms aimed at rebuilding the House’s damaged image.
The two leaders made the commitments shortly after being elected to head Uganda’s 12th Parliament during Monday’s sitting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The election follows months of intense public criticism and corruption allegations that engulfed the previous parliamentary leadership, with growing pressure mounting on legislators to restore integrity and accountability within the institution.
In his maiden speech as Speaker, Oboth-Oboth promised a leadership grounded in transparency, accountability, and evidence-based debate.
“Under my leadership, we will cultivate a culture of absolute integrity and zero tolerance to corruption,” Oboth-Oboth told Members of Parliament.
“Honourable Members, you are aware of what has been going on. Accountability begins with us,” he added.
The new Speaker stressed that Parliament cannot effectively oversee government ministries and agencies if lawmakers themselves fail to uphold standards of accountability.
“Evidence-based and research-based debates; under my leadership, the floor of Parliament will not be a theatre of hearsay or grandstanding,” Oboth-Oboth declared.
Oboth-Oboth, an NRM legislator, was elected Speaker after securing 441 votes, defeating National Unity Platform’s Paul Mwiru who polled 60 votes and Democratic Party president Norbert Mao who garnered 15 votes.
His deputy, Tayebwa, cruised to victory with 457 votes against Asinansi Nyakato’s 45 votes and Sarah Aguti Nalule’s 14 votes.
In his remarks, Tayebwa acknowledged that Parliament’s public image had suffered significantly and pledged to work closely with Oboth-Oboth to reform the institution.
“I know all corners of the House; I know where we need to clean up and where we need to maintain the status quo,” Tayebwa said.
The Deputy Speaker specifically pledged to implement reforms aimed at strengthening financial transparency and tightening internal accountability systems within Parliament.
Tayebwa also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his continued guidance and trust.
“You have often reminded us that leadership is about service to the people, not service to oneself,” Tayebwa said while addressing the President.
He also expressed gratitude to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and its chairman Muhoozi Kainerugaba for supporting his re-election bid.
“To my beloved family of PLU and our dear chairman Muhoozi Kainerugaba, I will forever be indebted, for you stood strongly by my side,” Tayebwa said.
The anti-corruption declarations by the new parliamentary leadership directly align with President Museveni’s latest directive demanding a corruption-free Parliament over the next five years.
Museveni warned leaders against seeking positions of power without improving the welfare of the people they represent and threatened to sack ministers who fail to deliver development in their areas.
Political analysts say the corruption question heavily shaped the Speaker race following public pressure for Parliament to restore credibility and improve accountability.
Excitement erupted at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds after Tayebwa’s landslide victory, with MPs and supporters congratulating the new parliamentary leadership as the House officially began its 12th term under promises of reform, transparency, and renewed public trust.
