Hon. Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip, reflected on his more than a year in office in a recent exclusive interview. From addressing concerns about ministerial and NRM MPs’ persistent absence to initiatives aimed at improving parliamentary attendance, Obua shared insights into his journey and challenges faced.
Obua expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the appointment, highlighting his unique position as the youngest cabinet minister at the age of 43. He outlined the structured nature of the Government Chief Whip’s office, governed by statutory instruments and statutes, which guides his roles and responsibilities.
The interview delved into the dual responsibilities of the Government Chief Whip—coordinating executive functions and legislating at Parliament. Obua acknowledged the challenges faced but emphasizes his affinity for handling challenging situations, stating that challenges are an integral part of his life.
When questioned about the potential impact of age on his ability to handle officials, Obua stresses the importance of dealing with individuals on a case-by-case basis. He discusses his approach to engaging ministers and members of Parliament, citing the need for individual accountability.
In terms of accomplishments, Obua introduced new initiatives aimed at improving attendance, including a requirement for 30 percent Cabinet representation in Parliament during sessions and a rotational system for ministry representation. He also mentioned the creation of a WhatsApp Cabinet group for better communication.
Challenges faced by the Government Chief Whip’s office primarily revolve around attendance and time management. Despite measures in place, Obua acknowledged persistent issues and stresses the need for collective and individual accountability.
The interview concluded with Obua addressing concerns about Uganda’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, quoting President Museveni’s clarification on the two-in-one conference. He dismissed reported conflicts between government officials, emphasizing the lack of constituted committees to address such issues within the NRM.
Obua also commented on the rising corruption rate, citing the need to strengthen anti-corruption laws and invest in highly trained investigators to tackle system crimes. Plans ahead involve the manifesto unit assessing ministry commitments outlined in the manifesto.
