Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has told Members of Parliament that their names and reputations matter more than money, academic qualifications, birthplace or clan.
Addressing MPs during a parliamentary session, Oboth stressed the importance of protecting personal reputations, particularly when legislators face attacks or allegations in the House.
“I told you, Members of Parliament, you are not riding on your money, not even your level of education. What brings you here is not where you were born or your clan; it’s your name and reputation,” he said.
The remarks followed heated exchanges over alleged property ownership disputes within the railway reserve involving Jinja North MP Hussein Muyonjo and Jinja South East MP Paul Mwiru.
The Speaker made the comments during discussions about personal statements, which allow MPs to respond to remarks or allegations they believe could damage their reputations.
🇺🇬 𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗣’𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗨𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
“I told you members of Parliament, you are not riding on your money, not even your level of education. What brings you here is not where you were born or your clan, it’s your name and reputation.”
Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, Speaker of Parliament, explaining why MPs whose reputations are brought into question during parliamentary proceedings are entitled to make personal statements.
His remarks followed exchanges over alleged property ownership within the railway reserve involving Jinja North Division MP Hussein Muyonjo and Jinja South Division East MP Paul Mwiru.
Photo by Parliament
— Parliament Watch (@pwatchug) October 14, 2026
