“My world almost came to an end”: Speaker Oboth recalls iron sheets scandal

[Da Dona]

VIDEO:

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has recounted the embarrassment he faced after receiving 300 iron sheets during the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, saying the controversy nearly ruined him.

Speaking while cautioning Members of Parliament against fixing project quantities without a corresponding bill of quantities, Oboth described the incident as one of the most embarrassing experiences of his life.
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“As a survivor of iron sheet scandal, if there is anything that is embarrassing that has ever happened to me, is when I was given 300 iron sheets, which I didn’t ask for,” Oboth said.​

He added that the matter was later used against him by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and other critics, highlighting the lasting political consequences of the controversy.

The Karamoja iron sheets scandal emerged in 2023 after reports that iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region had been diverted to government officials and other individuals.

The scandal triggered public outrage, investigations and calls for accountability, with several senior government officials implicated in the distribution of the roofing materials.

Oboth’s remarks serve as a warning to legislators about the importance of proper planning, documentation and accountability when handling public resources, particularly when determining quantities for government projects.

Video by daily Monitor UG​