Oboth Recalls Iron Sheets Scandal, Warns MPs Against Approving Projects Without Proper Assessments

What the report says

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth used a House debate to revisit the Karamoja iron sheets controversy, saying the receipt of 300 iron sheets he had not asked for almost ended his political career. He said the episode was later weaponized by opponents, and he presented it as a lesson on how public officials can be harmed when issues are not handled with clear records and due process.

According to Nile Post, Oboth told MPs that Parliament should be more careful when approving government projects, especially those involving large sums or infrastructure works. He argued that proposals should be backed by feasibility studies and bills of quantities rather than by arbitrary figures. He specifically cited the Solar-Powered Water Supply and Irrigation Project, which is under scrutiny, as an example of the kind of project that should be fully documented before approval.

Oboth also cautioned lawmakers against allowing ministries to change projects after Parliament has approved them without returning for fresh authorization. He said such practices can weaken oversight and public accountability, and can expose leaders to avoidable political and reputational damage.

The remarks fit into a broader pattern in Uganda’s Parliament of scrutiny over public spending, project variations and documentation. In general, feasibility studies and bills of quantities are standard tools used to test whether a project is technically sound and financially justified before it is approved or funded.