President Yoweri Museveni has sharply criticized Opposition MPs, led by Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, for their outcry over alleged classified payments of 100 million shillings to lawmakers. In a fiery address, Museveni dismissed claims of corruption, framing the funds as critical for national security and countering “enemy schemes” threatening Uganda’s stability.
Speaking about the controversy, Museveni contrasted the MPs’ demands with the sacrifices of FRONASA-NRA-UPDF veterans, who fought for 17 years without pay. He emphasized patriotism over financial gain, noting that even senior military officers earned modest salaries until recent reforms. “Motivation for us has always been patriotism, not money,” he said, accusing the Opposition and The Monitor newspaper of hypocrisy.
Museveni Questions Opposition’s “Anti-Corruption” Stance
The President challenged Kivumbi’s group and The Monitor to explain their silence on foreign funds allegedly influencing Ugandan politics. “If you are anti-corruption warriors, why don’t you talk about foreign money sent here to manipulate our decisions?” he asked, labeling recipients of such funds as “traitors.”
He cited recent remarks by U.S. Congressman Andy Barr, who criticized the Biden administration for funding LGBT advocacy in Uganda while cutting trade benefits over the country’s anti-homosexuality law. Museveni accused Western powers of hypocrisy, linking their actions to China’s growing investments, such as the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline. “Who is truly serving foreign interests?” he questioned, implying the Opposition turns a blind eye to these dynamics.
It should be noted that allegations have been making rounds in the media about how MPs were rewarded with Shs 100m for passing the Coffee Amendment act and the pending UPDF act. However, there hasn’t been any credible information to back this up.
Kivumbi Fires Back: “Sign the Pledge or Face Consequences”
Meanwhile, earlier on, the Acting Leader of Opposition Muwanga Kivumbi doubled down on his campaign against the alleged 100 million shilling payments. He issued a seven-day ultimatum to all Opposition MPs to publicly sign a resolution declaring they did not—and will not—accept the funds, which he calls a “Cash Bonanza” meant to compromise their integrity.
“Anyone who fails to sign is admitting they took the bribe,” Kivumbi warned, adding that refusal could harm MPs’ political futures as voters “are watching.” His directive follows accusations that some Opposition lawmakers, including Dr. Kagabo and MP Mpuga, quietly accepted the money.
A Clash of Narratives
While Museveni defends classified expenditures as essential for national security, the Opposition insists the payments lack transparency and undermine accountability. Kivumbi’s move aims to rally public support ahead of elections, framing the issue as a test of MPs’ loyalty to voters.
The debate highlights Uganda’s polarized political landscape, with Museveni leveraging patriotism and foreign interference claims to deflect criticism, while the Opposition positions itself as defenders of ethical governance. As tensions rise, all eyes are on whether Kivumbi’s ultimatum will unite his bloc—or deepen divisions.
