By Samuel Njoroge
Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni is facing a barrage of criticism after reportedly gifting each Member of Parliament approximately UGX 100 million (KSh 3 million) in what he claims is a token of appreciation for their “commendable conduct.” The move has ignited a fiery debate across Uganda, with critics accusing the veteran leader of attempting to influence lawmakers and ensure loyalty to the Executive.
Reports circulating in Ugandan media, including The Monitor, detail the disbursement of funds to MPs from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), independent representatives, and even some members of the opposition. Sources indicate that NRM MPs collected their funds from the Office of the Government Chief Whip late on April 7th, while others allegedly received theirs from Speaker Anita Among’s residence.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the money was presented as a “gesture of gratitude” from the President for the MPs’ performance and in response to requests from legislators facing financial difficulties.
When questioned about the matter, Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda neither confirmed nor denied the claims, redirecting inquiries to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus. Similarly, Parliament’s administration has distanced itself from the alleged cash distribution.
“I am not aware of anything like that, you are breaking news to me,” stated Grace Gidudu, the Assistant Director, CPA at the Ugandan parliament, as quoted by The Monitor. “There are clear channels on how MPs receive their money and besides that, we don’t know anything.”
Adding fuel to the fire, the timing of the alleged payments coincides with the Cabinet’s approval of the contentious UPDF Amendment Act, a piece of legislation anticipated to encounter significant resistance, particularly from opposition MPs.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP), has acknowledged awareness of the reported payments and issued a stern warning, stating that members of his National Unity Platform (NUP) party who accepted the funds could face disciplinary action.
“We have been hearing about this move by the government to award MPs, especially from NRM and some opposition, basically to thank them for passing the controversial Coffee Bill and prepare grounds for the upcoming controversial coffee amendment,” Ssenyonyi stated.
The allegations have triggered outrage and calls for investigations into the source and purpose of the funds. Critics argue that the gifts undermine the independence of Parliament and create a potential conflict of interest, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability within the Ugandan government. The controversy is likely to continue to unfold in the coming days as pressure mounts on President Museveni to address the concerns raised.
