On Tuesday, Ajuri County legislator Denis Hamson Obua officially took over the office of the Government Chief Whip during a colourful ceremony at Parliament Conference Hall. 

The office was handed over to him by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, whom he succeeds.

In his remarks, Obua promised to, through teamwork and hard work, execute his duties with passion and commitment. 

Tayebwa advised his successor to apply humility to effectively whip both ministers and MPs. 

Tayebwa also advised Obua to ensure he mobilizes ministers to explain to the NRM caucus the policies, programmes and Bills of government to understand other than forcing them down their throats. 

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who is the leader of Government Business, promised to work well with Obua to effectively drive the government’s legislative agenda in Parliament. 

The position of Government Chief Whip wields influence and power.

Apart from mobilizing and co-ordinating legislators on the ruling side of the House including ministers and speaking on behalf of the government in the absence of the Prime Minister, the Government Chief Whip plays a leading role in determining the leadership of most committees of Parliament except the four accountability committees headed by opposition legislators. 

In determining who becomes the leaders of various committees of Parliament, the Government Chief Whip plays a big role in calibrating the political destinies of many legislators as many of these committee chairpersons eventually are appointed as ministers. 

Who is Obua?

Now 42, Obua first entered Parliament as a Youth MP representing northern Uganda and later in 2011 became an MP for Ajuri County, which he continues to represent even in the 11th Parliament. 

In 2009, he was voted the best debater in Parliament through research done by the African Leadership Institute. 

The Lango College product is a graduate of Uganda Management Institute with a Master in Public Administration and a degree in Social Work, a degree in Social Administration from Uganda Christian University, and diploma in law from Law Development Center.

 The vocal legislator, who has 17 years of experience as an MP, has held various top positions as;

• State minister for sports
• Commissioner of Parliament (2009-2011)
• Chairperson Committee of Science and Technology (2011-2013)
• Spokesperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus