West Budama South MP Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth has said many of Uganda’s challenges stem from people trying to be what they are not, urging leaders to embrace modesty and contentment.
Oboth-Oboth made the remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony held at his home in Mukono, which was attended by more than 150 newly elected legislators who were sworn in earlier this week.
“In this country, what is causing problems is people wanting to be what they are not. We should be content with what we have,” he said.
“It is the modesty in me that makes me see things from afar. It is very difficult to be a Minister of Defence and see things differently. I am still the same Oboth-Oboth, with the same short-sleeved shirt,” he added.
He noted that driving meaningful change does not necessarily require vast financial resources, but rather commitment and clarity of purpose.
Oboth-Oboth is currently being fronted for the position of Speaker of Parliament in the 12th Parliament.
He has served as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs since 2021, where he has played a key role in shaping defence-related legislation. Among his notable contributions is the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Act, which introduced reforms aimed at improving healthcare services for military personnel, transferring the Pension Authority from the Ministry of Public Service to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and enhancing disability compensation for both officers and enlisted personnel.
Previously, as chairperson of Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Oboth-Oboth was instrumental in handling key legislation, including the 2017 constitutional amendment that removed presidential age limits.
