Charles Odongtho

Loyal African, Ugandan Journalist, Lawyer, Student 4 Life, Political Observer, loves Diplomacy, Sober 24/7, Independent minded. PR/Communications Specialist.

[The Guard @TheGuardjt]

The Speaker @ObothOboth today received the Inspectorate of Government’s 55th Bi-Annual Performance Report (January - June 2026) from the IGG, Hon. Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, and her team. He said coming to Parliament with the whole team was unprecedented and thanked them sincerely.

[The Guard @TheGuardjt]

Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth has cautioned that climate change is causing serious economic damage in Uganda and called on leaders to move from talk to measurable action.
Speaking at the 3rd CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting on Green Economy and Environmental Sustainability, he said environmental shocks are wiping out livelihoods and infrastructure. He pledged Parliament’s support for laws, budgets and oversight to drive strong climate action.
@ObothOboth

[The Guard @TheGuardjt]

Speaker @ObothOboth has warned that climate change is inflicting aggressive and economically crippling damage across Uganda, urging leaders to stop trading statistics in boardrooms and deliver measurable action.

[Charles Odongtho @Codongtho]

@joycebagala1 Congratulations to a double OG!

[Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) @ObothOboth]

This afternoon in my communication to the House, I welcomed Members and reported on our recent Inter-Parliamentary Union engagements in Arusha, Tanzania.

Our hosts received us warmly in the true East African spirit. I congratulated Hon. @EvelyneNinsiim1 on her appointment to the IPU High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, and Hon. Juliet Achayo Lodou on her appointment to the Committee on Peace and International Security.

Our participation also included the EAC Speakers’ Bureau meeting, where we discussed preparations for the December EAC Parliamentary Games. Uganda has a strong sporting reputation, and I urged our teams to prepare well.⁠

The House then adopted the report of the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry, presented by MP Patrick Aeku, on human-wildlife conflicts.

Key recommendations include a dedicated ring-fenced HWC Mitigation and Compensation Fund, increased budgets and equipment for the HWC Division including phased electric fencing, a national digital management system within 12 months, an inter-ministerial coordination committee, integration of HWC into land-use plans, stronger community participation, and accelerated review of the Wildlife Act. Prevention must come first, with fair and timely compensation as a safety net.⁠

After a spirited debate, the report was adopted. I thank the 49 Members who contributed—time was limited—and the Committee leadership and members. The 12th Parliament has a distinctive breed of committees producing unique work.

The Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, a Private Member’s Bill by Hon. Bukenya Michael Iga (Bukuya County), was also tabled and the member granted for leave of parliament to present it.

Patient safety and quality healthcare remain central to our people-centred legislation.

[Charles Odongtho @Codongtho]

@norbertmao Great stuff Ladit Won Kom! Rubanga umi gum kum!

[Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) @ObothOboth]

1/3
On Saturday, 26 September, I had the honour of representing H.E. the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, as chief guest at the Oak Jubilee celebrations marking 80 years of Mushanga Catholic Parish in Sheema District.
It was my first visit to Greater Bushenyi since becoming Speaker, and I thank the people of Mushanga for their warm welcome.

I conveyed the Vice President's congratulations to the Archdiocese of Mbarara and the Christians of Mushanga Parish. In her message, she described the Church as a key partner in national development, with a long record in education, healthcare, social welfare, peacebuilding and moral formation.

She saluted the role of the churches in many communities where they set up schools and health facilities before government services arrived. She also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to raising household incomes and creating wealth and jobs.

[Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) @ObothOboth]

On behalf of the 12th Parliament of Uganda, I have joined the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) currently under way in Arusha, Tanzania.

At this historic assembly, I am accompanied by a delegation of Members of Parliament, in furtherance of our mission to strengthen the Inter-Parliamentary Union and multilateral parliamentary diplomacy.

The Assembly is hosted by the National Assembly of Tanzania and runs from 5th to 9th October 2026 at the Arusha International Conference Centre in Arusha, United Republic of #Tanzania.
The Assembly has brought together hundreds of lawmakers from around the world for a week of high-level parliamentary diplomacy, focused on enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all... 1/4
#IPU153 #OpenParliamentUG

[Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) @ObothOboth]

Let me be clear about what we are pursuing. We are not asking for the unification of East Africa. Unity is when people agree to become one. Integration is when people agree to participate in common interests while keeping their unique identities. This can be done. The defence sector has already shown the way. It is ahead of everybody else. I reassured the meeting that the Parliament of Uganda will fully participate in the EALA Games, as we always have. We thank all who came to compete in Uganda. Dr. Wetang'ula reminded me of a fascinating story: we went to Mombasa and beat Kenya, and Kenya came to Uganda and took its revenge. That is what the Games are about! This time, everything is up for grabs. As Uganda, we are excited, and we shall be in Arusha to bring the trophy home! #EALA #EACIntegration #12thParliament

[Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) @ObothOboth]

This was my very first Bureau meeting. I thought I was the brand-new baby in the room until I met my colleague, the Speaker from Somalia. He is two months old in office; I am three and a half months. So, we were both learning from the seniors who have walked this path longer. I congratulated him and privately asked, "What has become of us?" We used to come to Arusha on matters of defence, as we both served as ministers of defence. It might send the wrong signal that to become Speaker, you must first be a defence minister! But it means we go a long way back. We know each other deeply, and we bring to this Bureau a wealth of knowledge on the defence and security dimensions of our Community, a sector that is already well integrated. I also met the EALA MPs from Uganda and we discussed a number of issues pertinent to their work in Arusha. 3/

[Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) @ObothOboth]

I told my colleagues: we did not choose to be East Africans; East Africa chose us. Echoing my senior brother, Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang'ula, Speaker of Kenya's National Assembly, I said the role of our national parliaments in shaping the vision of our countries and the region cannot be overemphasised. I am excited by the commitment of the Partner States that brought us together in Arusha. 2/

[Jacob Marksons Oboth (MP) @ObothOboth]

I have successfully concluded a working visit to Arusha, Tanzania, where I joined my fellow Speakers of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States to discuss issues common to our parliaments.
I was warmly received by colleagues of the EALA Uganda Chapter for the 21st EAC Bureau of Speakers Meeting. I thank the Speaker of EALA for hosting us. At the Bureau, we deliberated on how our national parliaments can deepen regional integration. The meeting also streamlined preparations for the 16th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, to be hosted in Arusha later this year. 1/

[TPO Uganda @TpoUg]

🕊️ Suicide is preventable. Silence is not.
Join @TPOUganda on 30 Sept, 7–8PM EAT for a national Tweet Chat: #ChangingTheNarrative.
Expert voices from Uganda & Kenya will unpack suicide prevention, challenge stigma & strengthen collaboration for mental health & human rights.

[Charles Odongtho @Codongtho]

@Parliament_Ug Speaker, @ObothOboth, has commended the People's Republic of China for decades of infrastructure, agricultural, and healthcare cooperation with Uganda. He made the remarks while Speaking at a reception held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala on Wednesday September 23rd, to mark China's 77th National Day and to welcome the country's newly appointed Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Wu Guangrong.

The Speaker reflected on more than sixty years of bilateral friendship dating back to 1962, characterizing the relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership with direct benefits for ordinary citizens.

"The gathering here itself is a reflection of the true kinship and shared bonds between our two nations," Oboth said.

He singled out several flagship infrastructural projects as evidence of the partnership's impact.

"Some of these projects include the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, the Karuma and Isimba hydropower dams, upgrades to Entebbe International Airport, and the Namboole National Stadium,” Oboth revealed.

He pointed to agricultural cooperation through the Kibimba and Doho farms, as well as the China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, as examples of tangible gains for Ugandans in the agricultural and health sectors.

Speaker Oboth reserved particular praise for Chinese medical teams, which have served continuously in Uganda since 1983. The reception doubled as a farewell to the outgoing 25th Chinese Medical Team and a welcome for the incoming 26th, with the Speaker crediting the teams for the countless lives saved in local hospital wards.

He noted that cooperation between the two countries now extends well beyond infrastructure and medicine, but spanning education, technology, culture, trade, agriculture, security, and parliamentary exchanges.

Welcoming Ambassador Wu Guangrong to Uganda, Speaker Oboth pledged Parliament's full support for deepening bilateral ties in future.

[The Guard @TheGuardjt]

Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth has brokered a truce in the BoU–SACCO licensing stand off, bringing together the Bank of Uganda, cooperative leaders and the Ministries of Finance and Trade to chart a phased path towards compliance.
@ObothOboth

[The Guard @TheGuardjt]

At the meeting, SACCO leaders affirmed that they are not opposed to regulation, but called for a harmonised framework under one law, citing overlapping regulatory mandates. BoU maintained that its mandate remains in force and underscored the importance of compliance.
@ObothOboth

[The Guard @TheGuardjt]

A roadmap was agreed: large SACCOs will pick up licensing application forms within seven days as a sign of good faith, while those making genuine efforts towards submitting applications by 31 March 2027 will be given consideration.
@ObothOboth

[The Guard @TheGuardjt]

Speaker Oboth also directed MoFED to initiate an amendment bill to harmonise the legal framework and create a SACCO-specific regime. He further guided that the previously constituted taskforce be reinstated to follow up on the agreed roadmap.
@ObothOboth

[Dr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo 🇺🇬 @RugyendoQuotes]

https://t.co/95p8j9xHhF

[Charles Odongtho @Codongtho]

@kasujja @mkainerugaba I like the action. Key to efforts and plans to transform the country. As we are told, Our biggest challenge as a country has been less action, action and action!