The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has urged Ugandans not to be unsettled by changes in government leadership, saying transitions in public office are part of a divine plan because “a government ordained by God operates in its own way.”
Oboth-Oboth made the remarks during the official handover ceremony at the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), where Fadil Twalla formally took over as Secretary General following recent appointments announced by PLU chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The event drew a broad spectrum of leaders, including cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the NRM Central Executive Committee, Resident District Commissioners, regional coordinators, and religious figures.
“Government works in different ways. And therefore, especially a government established by God works in different ways,” Oboth-Oboth said.
Speaking about his own political journey, he noted that occupying high office is often the result of circumstances beyond an individual’s expectations and that leadership positions are never permanent.
“People will always come in and others will leave. Otherwise, how would I have become Speaker?” he remarked.
Twalla replaces David Kabanda, the founding Secretary General of PLU, who played a key role in building the organisation’s structures nationwide. Kabanda was, however, absent from the handover ceremony.
In his inaugural remarks, Twalla unveiled a five-point programme aimed at deepening patriotism, combating corruption, improving public service delivery, empowering young people, and fostering national cohesion.
He described corruption as the biggest obstacle to Uganda’s progress, arguing that money lost through graft deprives citizens of better schools, healthcare, roads, and employment opportunities.
Oboth-Oboth encouraged PLU leaders to stay united and committed to the organisation’s objectives despite recent changes within its leadership.
He stressed that PLU should serve as a partner to the ruling National Resistance Movement rather than a rival, adding that the organisation’s activities are intended to support government efforts toward socio-economic transformation.
“As a special group aligned to the NRM, the chairman of PLU, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has made it clear that PLU will work to support the government in achieving its development goals,” he said.
Established in 2022, PLU started as a civic movement advocating patriotism, national unity, and citizen participation in development initiatives.
Over time, the organisation has gained considerable political influence, largely because of its close links to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Its growing visibility has coincided with debates on governance, anti-corruption efforts, service delivery, and several key political developments, including contests for leadership positions in Parliament.
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