Speaker Oboth Pledges to Protect Parliament's Dignity, Backs Regional Hospital as Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum Launches

MUKONO, Uganda – Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth has reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the dignity of Parliament, promoting constructive dialogue among leaders, and supporting the establishment of a modern regional hospital in Mukono District.

The Speaker made the commitments during a thanksgiving service held on Friday at Lebanon Cathedral in Mukono, where the Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum was officially launched.

The event brought together political leaders, religious figures, civil servants, and residents from across Greater Mukono to celebrate the Speaker's election and dedicate his leadership to God. It also marked the formal inauguration of the Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum, an umbrella platform intended to strengthen cooperation among different faith communities while promoting peace, unity, education, healthcare, and social development.

The service was characterized by prayers, thanksgiving, and messages emphasizing servant leadership, integrity, accountability, and national cohesion.

As part of the ceremony, members of the Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum presented Speaker Oboth with a Holy Bible, symbolizing their commitment to supporting his leadership through prayer and their hope that biblical values would continue to guide his decisions while presiding over Uganda's Parliament.

Leaders Commend Development and Unity

Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome welcomed the Speaker and congratulated him upon his election to one of the country's highest constitutional offices.

He also expressed appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for Government investments that have contributed to Mukono's development, particularly improvements in road infrastructure and the installation of street lighting.

While acknowledging the progress already achieved, Lukooya appealed for continued Government support to accelerate development across the district. He also praised Bishop Dr.  Samuel Lwandasa and other religious leaders for spearheading the formation of the Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum, describing it as an important initiative that promotes peaceful coexistence, integrity, and unity among residents regardless of religious affiliation.

Speaking on behalf of the Resident District Commissioner, Deputy RDC Mr. Muyambi Moses emphasized the critical role that religious institutions play in complementing Government efforts to foster peace and national development.

He noted that the thanksgiving service stood out because it focused primarily on expressing gratitude to God rather than presenting demands to political leaders.

According to Muyambi, public leadership should be grounded in humility, accountability, effective service delivery, and commitment to national unity. He encouraged leaders at all levels to continue working closely with faith-based organizations to strengthen social harmony and address community challenges.

Speaker Reaffirms Commitment to Parliament

Addressing the congregation, Speaker Oboth described his election as Speaker of Parliament as a sacred trust bestowed upon him by the people of Uganda through their elected representatives.

He pledged to discharge his constitutional responsibilities with humility, integrity, fairness, and impartiality while ensuring Parliament remains a respected institution that serves all Ugandans.

The Speaker said he would continue protecting the dignity of Parliament by encouraging constructive dialogue, respectful debate, and legislation that responds to the aspirations and needs of citizens across the country.

Recognizing the important role religious leaders play in national life, Oboth called upon churches, mosques, and other faith communities to continue praying for Parliament, Government leaders, and the nation as a whole.

He said spiritual guidance and moral leadership remain essential in promoting peace, justice, and responsible governance.

Support for Mukono Regional Hospital

One of the major announcements made during the thanksgiving service was Speaker Oboth's commitment to support efforts aimed at establishing a modern regional hospital in Mukono.

He pledged to work closely with district leaders to identify suitable land that can accommodate the proposed health facility.

The Speaker noted that improving access to quality healthcare remains essential for the well-being of communities and pledged to support initiatives that strengthen health services in the district.

He further revealed plans to invite President Museveni to visit Mukono after witnessing the unity, hospitality, and cooperation displayed during the thanksgiving service and the launch of the Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum.

The anticipated presidential visit, he said, would provide an opportunity to further discuss key development priorities for the district.

Religious Leaders Promote Shared Vision

Earlier, Bishop Samuel Lwandasa commended the various religious denominations for choosing collaboration over division through the establishment of the Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum.

He said the forum will provide a united platform through which faith leaders can work together to promote education, healthcare, peacebuilding, moral values, and community development.

The Bishop emphasized that although religious denominations may differ in doctrine, they share a common responsibility to serve communities and contribute to Uganda's development.

Nambooze Welcomes Speaker

Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Betty Nambooze Bakireke welcomed Speaker Oboth to Mukono, describing the occasion as a homecoming.

She prayed for God's wisdom, strength, and protection over his leadership and commended him for maintaining fairness, neutrality, and professionalism while presiding over parliamentary proceedings.

Nambooze expressed hope that the Speaker would continue upholding the independence and integrity of Parliament while promoting dialogue among leaders with differing political views.

Broad Representation

The thanksgiving service attracted broad participation from leaders representing the Anglican, Catholic, Muslim, Seventh-day Adventist, and Orthodox faith communities.

Also in attendance were Members of Parliament, district and municipal leaders, Government officials, cultural representatives, civil servants, and hundreds of members of the public who gathered to celebrate the Speaker's leadership and witness the launch of the inter-religious forum.

The diverse attendance reflected the forum's objective of bringing together people from different religious and political backgrounds to work collectively for the development of Greater Mukono.

A Call for Unity and Development

The official launch of the Greater Mukono Inter-Religious Forum underscored the growing recognition of faith-based institutions as key partners in promoting peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development.

The forum aims to strengthen collaboration among religious leaders in addressing community challenges while supporting Government efforts in sectors such as education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution.

Speaker Oboth's pledges to uphold the dignity of Parliament, encourage constructive dialogue, and support the establishment of a modern regional hospital added significant weight to the occasion, reinforcing a shared commitment to servant leadership and improved public service delivery.

As Mukono continues to pursue its development aspirations, leaders expressed optimism that stronger partnerships between Government, Parliament, religious institutions, and local communities will contribute to a more peaceful, united, healthy, and prosperous district.