By Monica Kobusiinge
Kampala: The Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has officially handed over the office of Government Chief Whip to his successor Hamson Obua.
The official handover was held at Parliament on Tuesday, 16 August 2022 and was witnessed by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, Commissioners and Members of Parliament (MPs).
I have officially handed over the office of the Government Chief Whip to my successor, Hon @HamsonObua, at Parliament this morning. I advised him to operate this office with a high level of humility, team work and respect to all Members of Parliament for good coordination. pic.twitter.com/TCXGXCMe4x
— Thomas Tayebwa (@Thomas_Tayebwa) August 16, 2022
Speaking at the handover, Tayebwa called upon Obua to maintain humility while interacting with and whipping ministers and MPs to actively participate in parliamentary business.
“We shall give you all the necessary support but I advise you to maintain humility. My success as a Government Chief Whip was by being humble. When you humble yourself before your colleagues, they will easily work with you,” Tayebwa said.
“We were able to pass the oil bills because of this. The Leader of the Opposition came to my office for three days working till late because he knew I respected him. He knows that when it requires me to go to his office, I will,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja applauded Tayebwa for his inspiring leadership through support while processing government business in Parliament.
“Whipping MPs from both the front and back bench to ensure that government positions are supported and MPs debate constructively, is not an easy job. I thank you [Tayebwa] that you did your best,” Nabbanja said.
Obua said he intends to add value to the work that is done by the office of the Government Chief Whip and commended the work of his predecessors.
He urged legislators to join his new role in the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’, and urged staff of the office to keep pace of work so as ensure notable achievements during his tenure.
“In the next one week, I want to apportion time to organise meetings and set the journey right from the beginning. I will hold meetings with the NRM Parliamentary Caucus and with staff of the office of the Government Chief Whip,” Obua said. (colburnschool.edu)
Tayebwa left the office of the government Chief whip in March 2022 after he was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s 11th Parliament, taking over from Among who moved up to be the Speaker of the Parliament following the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
