The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi and several other opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) held a press conference in Kampala on March 11, 2024. The purpose was to address pressing issues concerning allegations of corruption within the Ugandan Parliament. This move came amidst a growing campaign on social media platforms, notably under the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition, spearheaded by individuals like lawyer and journalist Agather Atuhaire and social commentator Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, among others associated with the Agora Discourse lobby.
The opposition MPs made a direct demand for the Parliament to reconvene from its self-imposed hiatus to tackle the concerns raised by the ongoing anti-corruption campaign gaining momentum on social media channels.
Joel Ssenyonyi, serving as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, emphasized the necessity for the House to address the explosive allegations regarding the misuse of public funds and office abuse within Parliament. These allegations have been circulating extensively over the past fortnight, gaining traction particularly on social media platforms.
One of the highlighted allegations pertains to significant disbursements of funds, with questions raised about the Speaker of Parliament’s involvement. Additionally, there have been concerns raised by various sources including petitions and whistleblower accounts. These concerns prompted the Inspector General of Government, Beti Kamya, to announce a probe into corruption within Parliament.
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Ssenyonyi stressed the urgency of the situation, indicating that reports implicating Speaker Anita Among and the Parliamentary Commission cannot be ignored. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging for a formal response to the allegations.
The opposition’s demands include convening a Commission meeting to address the various expenditures that lack legal or moral justification. Moreover, they called for an immediate Parliament sitting to discuss these matters, emphasizing the Parliament’s accountability to the people of Uganda.
Despite the opposition’s demands, uncertainty looms over whether Parliament will heed the call for a recall. Chris Obore, the director for Public Affairs and Communication at Parliament, indicated that the decision lies with the Speaker. He reiterated that he has addressed these issues on multiple platforms, implying that further formal response may not be necessary.
Ssenyonyi warned that Parliament’s silence on such grave allegations could be perceived as insensitive. He stressed the need for Parliament to address the public’s concerns regarding irregular recruitment, questionable expenditures, and dubious contracts.
The opposition’s demands focus on investigating donations by the Speaker, scrutinizing the service award, and examining the reported parliamentary advertising contract secured by a radio station in the Speaker’s constituency. Additionally, they seek clarity on funds disbursed to private bank accounts of parliamentary staff for community outreaches involving the Speaker.
The opposition emphasized that failure to act upon their demands within the week would prompt further action. They expressed readiness to convene again to communicate their next steps if their concerns are not adequately addressed.
