The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, held a thanksgiving ceremony in Kyungu, Mukono District, where he reflected on his journey in politics and leadership at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
The event came shortly after more than 300 Members of the 12th Parliament endorsed him for the position of Speaker of Parliament. Hon. Oboth revealed that he initially believed the gathering was only meant to celebrate his overwhelming election victory in West Budama Central, only to later realise it had also been organised as a farewell by colleagues from the defence establishment.
Speaking before supporters, military officers, ministers and Members of Parliament, Hon. Oboth thanked President Yoweri Museveni for trusting him with the leadership of the ministry. He praised the teamwork within the Ministry of Defence and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), despite challenges such as the loss of one of the ministry’s political leaders shortly after he assumed office.
He commended the leadership of the UPDF under Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, saying major achievements had been registered in the past two and a half years, including the construction of the new Ministry of Defence headquarters. He also applauded the UPDF for ensuring peaceful elections across the country through effective deployment and logistical support.
Hon. Oboth expressed gratitude to the people of West Budama Central for re-electing him to Parliament, saying their support had strengthened his national political standing. He noted that without their trust and votes, many leaders in Kampala would not have recognised him.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mrs Rosette Byengoma, described Hon. Oboth as a humble, visionary and supportive leader who worked well with both civilian and military staff. She praised his ability to defend the ministry’s interests in Parliament and thanked ministry staff and the UPDF for supporting him throughout his tenure.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding commended Hon. Oboth for his humility, teamwork and dedication to national service. He encouraged him to continue trusting in God and remain committed to the right path, while also calling on Ugandans to maintain peace, promote wealth creation and fight corruption.
The thanksgiving ceremony attracted ministers, Members of Parliament, senior military officers, clergy and officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, reflecting the strong support and respect Hon. Oboth enjoys within both government and the defence establishment.
