By Eric Yiga
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth has called on Ugandans to embrace unity beyond political, religious and ethnic differences, saying national cohesion is essential for meaningful development.
Oboth 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 Mukono Municipality. The event brought together religious leaders, government officials, Members of Parliament and local leaders to congratulate the Speaker on his elevation and pray for his successful tenure.
Addressing the gathering, Oboth said Mukono’s challenges were his own and pledged to work closely with leaders and residents to address them while upholding the dignity of Parliament. He appealed to district leaders to secure land for the construction of a modern hospital to improve healthcare services and ease congestion at Mukono General Hospital, where he recalled receiving treatment 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,” Oboth said.
He pledged to work diligently to ensure Mukono’s longstanding challenges, particularly poor road infrastructure and inadequate health facilities, receive the attention they deserve.
The ceremony, the first held in Oboth’s honour since he assumed the Speakership, began with prayers led by the chairman of the Greater Mukono Interfaith Forum, Bishop Dr. Samuel Lwandasa. Lwandasa declared that no challenge would overcome the Speaker, saying he had been chosen for leadership from childhood and would continue to receive divine protection.
The bishop presented Oboth with a Bible, describing it as a “weapon of spiritual warfare” to guide him through the demands of parliamentary leadership.
Religious leaders from different faiths also offered prayers and words of encouragement. Representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, led by Bishop Jeremiah Aligawesa of the East Buganda Field, Muslims led by Sheikh Ssenkuba Abbas Ssonko, and Protestants under Archdeacon Edward Balamaze of Seeta thanked President Yoweri Museveni for appointing a Speaker with roots in Mukono and urged Oboth to remain steadfast in office.
Mukono District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome used the occasion to appeal for increased central government funding to improve the district’s road network. His request was echoed by Mukono Municipality Mayor Robert Peter Kabanda.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Muyambi Moses, representing Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatima Ndisaba Nabittaka, commended the Greater Mukono Interfaith Forum for fostering unity across political and religious divides and encouraged its members to continue serving communities without discrimination.
Members of Parliament in attendance, including Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke and Mukono District Woman MP Sheila Amaniyo Dravile, thanked the Speaker for creating opportunities for legislators to present constituency concerns and advocate for improved service delivery.
Nambooze praised Oboth’s inclusive leadership, saying Uganda should continue building a nation free from political and ethnic discrimination.
Earlier, Bishop Lwandasa thanked the NRM government for infrastructure improvements in Mukono, including tarmac roads, street lighting and expanded access to clean water. He also requested an audience with the Speaker at Parliament so that the Interfaith Forum could formally present issues affecting communities across the district.
During the ceremony, Oboth officially launched the Greater Mukono Interfaith Forum and donated Shs10 million to support its activities.
The event, attended by Resident District Commissioners, local government leaders, Members of Parliament, religious leaders and residents, highlighted a shared commitment to promoting unity and improving service delivery beyond political, religious and ethnic differences.
