The Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, has hailed Regional Whips and NRM MPs of the 11th Parliament for standing firm in support of controversial bills despite what he described as threats from “enemies of progress,” saying their efforts resulted in the highest volume of parliamentary business ever passed.
Obua credited the 18 Regional Whips for mobilizing NRM legislators to deliver an unprecedented amount of legislative business, insisting that the ruling party did not lose any political battle on the floor of Parliament.
Speaking at a farewell party for the Regional Whips, Obua said their coordination and mobilization were critical in driving government business in the House.
“Their coordination and mobilization were critical in driving government business in the House,” Obua said. “We did not lose any political battle as the ruling party on the floor.”
He revealed that the 11th Parliament recorded unprecedented output over its five-year term, processing 138 bills, 211 resolutions, 140 ministerial statements, and adopting 484 committee reports across 352 sittings.
“The 11th Parliament recorded unprecedented output, processing 138 bills, 211 resolutions, 140 ministerial statements, and adopting 484 committee reports across 352 sittings,” he said.
The Office of the Government Chief Whip in the 11th Parliament was supported by more than 18 Regional Whips, who were tasked with rallying NRM legislators to support government positions, including on several controversial bills handled during the past five years.
Obua, who has served as Government Chief Whip for four years after replacing Thomas Tayebwa in 2022 when he was elected Deputy Speaker, also criticized some civil society organizations.
“I take issue with some civil society organizations funded by external forces for misleading the public whenever there are controversial bills in the House,” he said.
He commended NRM MPs for remaining steadfast despite pressure during heated debates on contentious legislation.
“I commend NRM MPs for standing firm in support of controversial bills despite pressure from what I call enemies of progress,” Obua added.
The farewell event marked the end of the tenure of Regional Whips of the 11th Parliament as the House prepares for the 12th Parliament following the 2026 general elections.
