KAMPALA — Parliament’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs Chris Obore has resumed work as new Parliament leadership under Jacob Oulanyah starts work.
Mr Obore who at the behest of former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, has for years been put on an indefinite forced leave despite a court injunction against him being removed from office.
Mr Obore who on Tuesday May 26 received back his office keys from the Clerk to Parliament Ms. Jane L. Kibirige had since 2019 retreated to Bukedea District in Teso sub-region and was only seen campaigning for President Museveni in the last election.
Sources say he has used his issues with Ms Kadaga to woo the MPs in Teso against her.
Obore’s troubles started in March when Ms. Kibirige notified him that the Inspectorate of Government had conducted investigations noting that his recruitment as the Director Communication and Public Affairs was founded on an illegality because it contravened the Parliamentary Service (Staff) Regulations, 2001.
However, Obore through his lawyers, Kampala Associated Advocates applied for an injunction restraining the Parliamentary Commission from implementing the Clerk’s decision to terminate his employment until the matter was determined.
Obore was recruited on August 19, 2015 by the Parliamentary Service.
Meanwhile, the new Speaker of Parliament Mr. Oulanyah has during his maiden appearance to Parliament paid a courtesy call to all Directors.
The Speaker also paid a courtesy call to Former Leader of Opposition in her office.
Mr. Oulanyah was elected Speaker at the First Sitting of the 11th Parliament held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Monday, 24 May 2021.
The sitting was presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo and attended by President Yoweri Museveni.
Oulanyah polled 310 votes followed by Kadaga who got 197 votes with Kira Municipality MP, Hon Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda getting 15 votes.
Oulanyah who thereafter was sworn in and handed instruments of power by the President, called for cooperation saying that he will provide clear leadership as Speaker.
“Together we should build relationships, mend the bridges and work together. Utmost due diligence will be the catch phrase,” Oulanyah who has been Deputy Speaker for 10 years said.
He added that all MPs from the different political affiliations will need to work in harmony for the greater good of the House and the country.
“”We should agree that no view shall be suppressed and work with tolerance.
We should act in a harmonious way and have collective responsibility,” he added.
