Speaker Oboth Calls for Unity Across Politics and Faith for National Progress

By Eric Yiga

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth, has called on Ugandans to embrace unity free from discrimination based on political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or other differences, saying such cohesion is essential for the country’s meaningful development.

He made the remarks on Friday during a prayer and thanksgiving ceremony organised in his honour by the Greater Mukono Interfaith Forum at Mt. Lebanon Christian Church in the heart of Mukono Municipality. The event brought together leaders of various faiths, government officials, Members of Parliament and local leaders to congratulate the Speaker on his elevation and to pray for his success.

Oboth told the gathering that Mukono’s challenges were his own and that he stood ready to engage leaders and residents openly to address them while upholding the dignity of the National Parliament. He specifically appealed to the district leadership to secure land for the construction of a modern hospital capable of delivering quality healthcare and easing the heavy congestion at Mukono General Hospital, which he noted had once treated him during a personal health crisis.

“If there is unity without discrimination based on different political beliefs, religions and other such differences, this will help this country to progress and achieve meaningful development,” the Speaker said. He pledged to work diligently so that Mukono’s longstanding problems, particularly poor roads and inadequate health facilities, receive the attention they deserve.

The ceremony, the first of its kind for Oboth since assuming the Speakership, opened with prayers led by the Forum’s chairman, Bishop Dr Samuel Lwandasa. Lwandasa declared that no challenge under heaven would overcome the Speaker, affirming that he had been chosen from childhood and would be protected. He presented Oboth with a Bible, describing it as a “weapon of spiritual warfare” to guide him through the difficulties of parliamentary leadership.

Leaders from multiple denominations joined in the intercessions and encouragement. Adventists, represented by Bishop Jeremiah Aligawesa of the East Buganda Field; Muslims, led by Sheikh Ssenkuba Abbas Ssonko; and Protestants, under Archdeacon Edward Balamaze of Seeta, all thanked President Yoweri Museveni for appointing a speaker with roots in Mukono. They urged Oboth not to fear the hurdles that come with the office.

District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome s used the occasion to request the Speaker to convey Mukono’s appeal for increased central government funding so that more work can be done on the district’s still-poor roads. The call was strongly backed by Mukono Municipality Mayor Robert Peter Kabanda.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Muyambi Moses, representing RDC Hajjat Fatima Ndisaba Nabittaka, praised the Interfaith Forum for creating a non-partisan platform that unites leaders across political lines and urged them to continue serving residents without division.

Members of Parliament present, including Betty Nambooze Bakireeke (Mukono Municipality), Sheila Amanio Dravile Mukono district Woman MP and others, thanked the Speaker for affording them opportunities to present constituency concerns so that services can flow from the centre. Nambooze specifically welcomed Oboth’s inclusive leadership style and said Uganda needed to build a nation free of ethnic or political discrimination.

Lwandasa earlier expressed gratitude to the NRM government for tangible developments in the area, citing tarmac roads, street lighting and clean water supply. He requested an audience with the Speaker at Parliament so that the Forum could formally present broader concerns affecting Ugandans.

In closing, Oboth formally launched the Greater Mukono Interfaith Forum and donated ten million shillings to support its work. The gathering, attended by RDCs, local government officials, Members of Parliament and residents, underscored a shared commitment to collaborative service delivery beyond political, religious or ethnic lines.