Minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu speaking at the eventInternal Affairs Minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu has praised Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth for his distinguished record as a State Attorney and for leading what he described as a reputable 12th Parliament.Kamuntu, who is also MP for Sheema South, made the remarks on Saturday, September 26, 2026, during celebrations to mark 80 years of Mushanga Catholic Parish in the Archdiocese of Mbarara.Oboth, who was chief guest representing Vice President Jessica Alupo, previously served as a State Attorney before joining elective politics.Kamuntu said he had known Oboth long before he became Speaker, having worked closely with him when Oboth chaired Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and Kamuntu served as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.“He was a friend. He is a professionally trained lawyer, here and in the USA. He won all his cases while he was a State Attorney,” Kamuntu said.He recalled Oboth’s critical role during the 10th Parliament, saying the then committee chairperson helped him steer difficult legislation.“He helped me a lot. We passed the Administration of Judiciary Bill. It was hard. We passed the electoral reforms bill. It was difficult, but if I didn’t have him, I would have failed as minister,” Kamuntu said.The minister described the Speaker as a man of faith, noting that Oboth was the only parliamentary candidate in Uganda endorsed by the entire House of Bishops.“He is impeccable,” Kamuntu said.He added that Parliament’s reputation was rising under Oboth’s leadership, crediting his humour for defusing tension in the House.“Even when Parliament is about to boil, when he speaks, we all laugh it off and focus. He is an asset,” he said, adding that the NRM government has complete confidence in his leadership.In his remarks, Oboth thanked the people of Mushanga for hosting him on his first visit to Greater Bushenyi as Speaker, and commended the parish for its schools, health centres and agricultural projects that have transformed lives in Sheema and beyond.He lauded Sheema voters for electing hardworking legislators, naming Woman MP Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa, Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa and Prof. Kamuntu among the most active in the first session.Delivering Vice President Alupo’s message, Oboth congratulated the Archdiocese of Mbarara and Christians of Mushanga Parish on the jubilee.Speaker Oboth represented the VP as Mushanga Catholic Church marked 80 years In her message, Alupo described the Church as a key partner in national development, noting that faith-based institutions have contributed immensely to education, healthcare, social welfare, peacebuilding and moral formation, often establishing schools and health facilities before government services.She congratulated Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha for his pastoral leadership, as well as Rev. Fr. Genensio Niwagira, the organizing committee, clergy, laity and all Christians of Mushanga for making the celebrations possible.Alupo said government remains committed to raising household incomes and creating wealth and employment.“However, Government cannot achieve these aspirations alone. We need the continued partnership of religious institutions, cultural leaders, the private sector, development partners and individual citizens,” she said.The jubilee also saw the launch of a five-storey commercial building project in Kabwohe Municipality, to be named after the Italian missionaries who founded the parish.The celebration, attended by dignitaries, priests and religious sisters, closed with a fundraising drive that raised over Shs150 million in cash and pledges. The Vice President contributed Shs30 million while the Speaker contributed Shs20 million.The post Minister Kamuntu Hails Oboth’s Leadership as VP Alupo Lauds Church Role appeared first on Business Focus.