It was a deeply emotional recount at Muwafu Primary School, the very school where Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth, Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, began his educational journey. As he stood before a congregation gathered for prayers in his West Budama Central Constituency, Tororo District, he struggled to hold back tears.
The heartfelt welcome from his constituents, the prayers offered the Bishop and residents , the innocent voices of children singing stirred emotions that had lain buried for decades. Their performance transported the Speaker back to his own childhood, reviving memories of sacrifice, hardship, and a dream that nearly slipped away.
With a trembling voice, Speaker Oboth-Oboth recounted one of the most painful moments of his life. After excelling in the Primary Leaving Examinations with an impressive Aggregate 7, emerging as the second-best pupil in the entire Tororo District, his future suddenly hung in the balance.
His father could not afford the UGX 13,000 required for him to join Manjasi High School.
For a young boy whose academic brilliance had opened doors, poverty threatened to close them before he could take the next step. As he recalled those difficult days, emotion overwhelmed him. Tears welled in his eyes as he reflected on how close he came to losing the opportunity to continue his education.
His story resonated deeply with everyone present. It was a powerful reminder that behind many remarkable achievements are untold stories of struggle, sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering determination. It also highlighted a reality that countless Ugandan families continue to face today the painful challenge of providing education for their children despite limited financial means.
Speaking about his homecoming party, Speaker Oboth Oboth explained that many people had expected a grand homecoming celebration following his election as Speaker. However, due to the government’s restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak, he deliberately chose to wait and that he was strictly attending only his first church service in the constituency without organizing a public celebration or inviting large crowds.
He assured the congregation that the official homecoming celebration would take place once the government gives the green light after the Ebola situation is fully under control.
The Speaker also emphasized that residents should not contribute any money toward the event, revealing that Members of Parliament from the Bukedi Sub-region had already taken responsibility for organizing it.
Smiling through the emotion, he promised the gathering:
“It will be a homecoming party to remember.”
As the congregation looked on, many were moved not only by the Speaker’s tears but by the journey they represented—from a village boy whose education nearly ended because his family could not raise UGX 13,000, to the man who now presides over Uganda’s highest legislative institution.
Sometimes, all it takes is the innocent song of a child to reopen memories that never truly fade. And sometimes, the greatest leaders are those who never forget where they came from or the struggles that shaped who they have become
