President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned leaders seeking public office against pursuing positions without prioritising the interests of citizens.
Speaking at the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament held at the Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala on Monday, President Museveni said that whereas he had previously taken a softer approach, “preaching like John the Baptist,” he would now adopt a tougher stance against leaders who fail to deliver services to the people.
While noting that he could not control the Opposition, the President urged National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders to return to their parishes and demand accountability for government funds disbursed under wealth creation programmes.
“Demand data on what has been happening in those parishes. In this kisanja, if we add Shs200 million per year, it will be an additional Shs1 billion, meaning each parish will have received more than Shs2 billion by the end of this term,” President Museveni said.
He also warned ministers against complacency, saying those who fail to perform would be dismissed.
President Museveni further urged Members of Parliament to closely monitor programmes such as Emyooga and the Ghetto Fund to ensure that the money is effectively utilised to fight poverty and create jobs.
“I don’t want to embarrass mature people. I talk and act. Put this money on the ground and struggle, but fortunately, we now have these funds. Let us use them to lift our people out of poverty,” he said.
During the election, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth was elected Speaker of Parliament, replacing Rt Hon Anita Annet Among. Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa retained his position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Tayebwa garnered 457 votes to defeat Nyakato Asinansi, the Hoima City Woman Representative, and Sarah Aguti, the Dokolo District Woman Representative, who secured 45 and 14 votes respectively.
“The NRM candidates obtained more votes than the NRM members in the House, and I note the votes our ally Mao took away. We shall address this because we want a united Parliament that serves our people better,” President Museveni stated.
After taking oath, Tayebwa hailed President Museveni and the Chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda for standing firmly with him during the race.
He pledged to serve with fairness, humility, and unity in a bid to strengthen Parliament.
Tayebwa also committed to working closely with Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, saying he would not only support him but also offer guidance whenever necessary.
“I know all the corners. I know where we need to clean up and where we need to maintain the status quo,” Tayebwa said.
Parliament is expected to resume sittings on June 4, 2026, when President Museveni will deliver the State of the Nation Address.
