Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has declined to entertain debate on allegations of corruption leveled against her and other members of the Parliamentary Commission. Despite being under scrutiny regarding an alleged scandal involving Parliamentary Commission funds, Among has chosen not to respond, dismissing the accusations as mere rumors.
This marks the first time Among has publicly addressed the scandal, which surfaced nearly two weeks ago following the release of documents by Agora Discourse under #UgandaParliamentExhibition, Makerere University Tutor Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, and journalist-lawyer Agatha Atuhaire. These digital activists, utilizing micro-blogging services and social networks, have urged the public to hold Parliament accountable for what they deem as wasteful expenditure of public funds.
The documents implicated Among in the allocation of substantial sums to herself through certain members of the Parliamentary Commission. Allegedly, some of these funds were directed to the former Leader of the Opposition, now Parliamentary Commissioner, Mathias Mpuuga, who acknowledged receiving five hundred million shillings as a “service award.”
As Parliament reconvened with Among presiding, expectations were high for her to address the allegations. However, during her communication with the chair, Among chose not to comment, instead directing the House to proceed with its scheduled agenda.
This decision prompted Theodore Sekikubo, a member of Parliament, to challenge Among to address the issue, emphasizing the credibility of Parliament was at stake. He reminded the Speaker of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to exercise oversight over its affairs, expressing disappointment at the apparent attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet.
Among responded defiantly, refusing to address what she referred to as “hearsay” and attributing her current challenges to her role in considering and enacting the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. This stance echoed similar sentiments expressed by Parliament’s publicist, Chris Obore.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, urged Among to allow debate on the allegations against Parliament. He expressed concern over the delayed sitting of the Parliamentary Commission, indicating that waiting until after June 30, 2024, would be detrimental to the public interest.
Efforts by several legislators to compel Among to permit discussion on the matter were unsuccessful.
Table: Allegations of Financial Misappropriations
| Allegations | Details |
|---|---|
| Awarding funds to self and others through Commission | Alleged allocation of billions |
| Payment to former Leader of Opposition | Mathias Mpuuga acknowledged receipt |
| Advertising contract for local radio station | Mama Bukedea FM allegedly received 3 billion shillings |
| Disbursement to private accounts of parliamentary staff | Allegations of questionable disbursements |
| Inspector General of Government’s inquiry | Corruption allegations under investigation |
The Opposition has demanded transparency regarding the allocation of funds, particularly the 1.7 billion Shillings awarded to Mathias Mpuuga and other Commissioners. Additionally, questions have been raised about a significant advertising contract purportedly secured by a local radio station in Speaker Among’s constituency, as well as the disbursement of funds to private accounts under questionable circumstances.
In response to the social media campaign and information from a whistleblower, Beti Kamya Turwomwe, the Inspector General of Government, emphasized the importance of investigating the corruption allegations against Parliament. The Inspector General’s Office has initiated inquiries into the matter, signaling a potential escalation of the issue.
