President Yoweri Museveni has spoken out following the election of Jacob Oboth-Oboth as Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker, congratulating the duo while issuing a stern directive to ruling party leaders to refocus on service delivery at the grassroots.
In a statement released on Monday, Museveni commended Members of Parliament for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
He noted that the outcome reflected broad support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates, even beyond the party’s numerical strength in the House.
“I congratulate the Rt. Hon. Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and thank the MPs for carrying out their mandate of voting, peacefully and transparently,” Museveni said.
The President, however, hinted at underlying political concerns, pointing to the performance of Democratic Party leader Norbert Mao in the race.
Museveni observed that Mao attracted votes beyond expectations, a development he said would be addressed to strengthen cohesion within Parliament.
“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,” he added.
Beyond the parliamentary leadership contest, Museveni shifted focus to what he termed as a more urgent national priority — the fight against poverty.
In a directive, he instructed NRM leaders at all levels to return to their constituencies and ensure government programmes are effectively implemented.
“Regarding this Parliament, I have been patient before, but this term there will be no room for leaders who seek titles without helping the people they lead,” Museveni stated.
He emphasized that existing government interventions are sufficient to improve livelihoods, warning leaders against offering excuses for continued poverty among citizens.
According to the President, accountability will be enforced for ministers and officials who fail to deliver tangible results.
“I am directing NRM leaders to return to the parishes and ensure that existing government programmes are lifting people out of poverty. I do not want to hear excuses about poverty while solutions already exist,” he said.
Museveni concluded with a firm warning, signaling a shift in leadership expectations under what he described as a no-nonsense term.
“Ministers and government officials who fail in this responsibility will be held accountable. This is Kisanja no sleep. Enough is enough,” he declared.
The remarks set the tone for the new parliamentary term, with heightened expectations on both political unity and service delivery.