I would like to thank the new Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament, Markson Jacob Oboth-Oboth, with all my heart for the way he has started cleaning up the Speaker’s office, which had been turned into a personal office by the former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among.
When I wrote an article two weeks ago calling upon Hon Oboth to buy a new broom to clean the room, some people misunderstood me. But thanks to Rt Hon Oboth for taking that advice seriously. What makes me happy is that I am now hearing about a general overhaul of Parliament, and you have started with the communications department in your office. Thanks a lot. However, do not stop there, and do not delay.
In my view, all the police officers who were working during the time of Hon Anita Among should be transferred, and new ones should be deployed.
Hundreds of people who were illegally recruited into Parliament to help the thieves who surrounded Anita Among siphon money from Parliament should also be removed, and the positions should be re-advertised.
Rt Hon Oboth, as we speak, many Ugandans are regaining hope in the 12th Parliament simply because of one person, and that is you. Take note that ever since you took the oath of office, many Ugandans have subscribed to television services to follow parliamentary proceedings.
You still have time to clean up Parliament, including its floor. It must be mopped with high-quality Jik to help clear away the corruption stains of the previous parliamentary regime.
My last advice to you, Hon Oboth, is that you should not borrow other people’s ugly smiles. Instead, use your own original smile, which everyone loves, including peasants like some of us. Your current smile welcomes everyone regardless of his or her status, unlike the previous Speaker, who seemed to have different smiles for different people.
The 12th Parliament will be as meaningful as the previous Parliaments chaired by Rt Hon Edward Ssekandi, Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga, and the late Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah.
Long live Oboth-Oboth. Long live the Badman General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Long live our Fountain of Honour, President Museveni.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
