Allegations of bribery are causing a stir in Uganda’s Parliament as a group of NRM MPs, led by Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, push forward with plans to censure four parliamentary commissioners.
The commissioners are accused of distributing a service award worth Shs1.7 billion and drawing a monthly salary of Shs23 million in addition to their regular parliamentary earnings. This move has sparked a contentious debate, with several MPs denying accusations that they have been bribed to abstain from signing the censure motion.
Nakaseke North MP Lutamaguzi Ssemakula vehemently denied allegations of receiving a Shs25 million bribe, which purportedly was offered to MPs to prevent them from signing the motion.
Lutamaguzi’s hesitancy, he explained, stemmed from deep-seated mistrust towards Ssekikubo, who had previously supported the controversial removal of the presidential age limit in 2017.
“I wasn’t going to sign, but I never trusted the people taking this petition. After making several consultations, and hearing the rumor about the Shs25 million, I decided to come forward to confirm that I haven’t received it. I never trusted you, Ssekikubo, because of your past actions,” said Lutamaguzi.
Lutamaguzi also expressed concerns over the absence of Yorke Alion (Aringa South), who was initially a key supporter of the censure motion but left the country for a 26-day stay in Canada.
Alion’s sudden departure only added to Lutamaguzi’s doubts about the legitimacy of the censure process.
“Alion started with you, demanding that parliamentary powers should be restored for us to elect commissioners, but now he is abroad. This further compounded my doubts. However, I was provoked into supporting the censure when I learned that, in addition to the Shs1.7 billion, the commissioners were drawing a monthly salary of Shs23 million,” he added.
Patrick Nsamba (Kassanda North) attempted to reassure Lutamaguzi and urged him to sign the censure motion, emphasizing that the evidence would be presented once the motion is tabled.
“Shadow Attorney General, you can’t ask us for evidence right now. On the floor of Parliament, when presenting the motion, all the evidence will come through. But for now, what you need to support us on is getting this cause to appear there,” Nsamba argued.
However, Shadow Attorney General Wilfred Niwagaba has declined to sign the motion until the team leading the process provides tangible evidence of the commissioners’ alleged misconduct. “I look at the rules differently. When you have evidence, let me know,” Niwagaba stated, underscoring the need for a solid evidentiary basis before proceeding.
Nathan Byanyima (Bukanga North) also refused to sign the censure motion, praising former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga for his service and warning against intimidating MPs with threats of losing votes.
“Don’t intimidate MPs. My constituents sent me to work for them, not to censure commissioners. Who wouldn’t want to appreciate the services of Mathias Mpuuga? The work he did was commendable. Even if there was any motion against the commission, we entrusted them to do the job. Our budget isn’t like any other budget; the commissioners are there to take care of our interests,” remarked Byanyima.
Byanyima further argued that, as a legislator who has previously censured ministers, it is crucial for the censure motion to clearly stipulate the grounds for censure to ensure transparency and avoid loopholes. “I wouldn’t want to have a censure that has loopholes. I would like MPs to be convinced and to read the grounds properly. The way it is done now feels inadequate,” he noted.
Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri County) distanced himself from the censure motion, citing his role as Chairperson of Parliament’s Rules Committee, which is responsible for handling matters related to MPs’ conduct.
“I have a judicious mind and responsibility. Given my role, I can’t participate as an accuser because these matters may come to my committee. Therefore, I can’t be part of the process accusing MPs,” explained Katuntu.
The censure motion raiseed 130 signatures of the required 177 by Thursday.
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