By: Communications Team

KAMPALA

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, has likened his role to that of a midfielder in a football match, describing his office as the political centre of gravity in government.

Hon. Denis Hamson Obua appearing on UBC’s Front Bench programme

“The Office of the Government Chief Whip, under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), is the political centre of gravity. It plays the role of a midfielder [in a football game],” he said while appearing on the Front Bench programme on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation Television (UBC TV) on 9 March 2026.

“I report to the National Resistance Movement party, the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister. I also report to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament. So, you are in the middle, and you are the political engine of the Government.”

Obua explained that he operates on three fronts. “By virtue of appointment, the Government Chief Whip is a Cabinet Minister in the Executive arm of government,” he said.

“There are also the legislative and party roles. The Government Chief Whip is also a party leader in Parliament and chairs the NRM Parliamentary caucus. I support the Prime Minister, who is the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, in delivering the Government’s legislative agenda.”

Obua, who appeared on the show together with Mr. Alfred Fetaa, a Legal Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), said the 11th Parliament had gone on record as the House that has passed the highest number of bills in recent years.

“When we talk about the government’s legislative agenda, we refer to the set of bills and business the government introduces on the floor of Parliament for consideration,” he said. “The passing of bills into law is a primary role of Parliament. A total of 157 bills were presented, with 19 still pending. In addition, 1,194 questions were answered by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister during the Prime Minister’s Time.”

The Government Chief Whip urged Ugandans to have confidence in the Office of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament and the entire Parliament because laws are passed and implemented in the best interest of citizens.

Asked about the impact of the work his office contributes to in Parliament, Obua said, “Laws are being implemented. But you know Uganda’s population has skyrocketed, so you may not feel their impact. Many people have been convicted using laws that were passed by Parliament.”

Mr. Fetaa said the impact of the government’s legislative agenda can be seen through programmes, such as the Parish Development Model.

END