Our Reporter, SOROTI – Gweri County Member of Parliament Edmond Ariko has been linked to alleged parliamentary cash advances under a community outreach programme, following the circulation of a document that purportedly details payments made to him over several years.
The document, which has been circulating online, allegedly indicates that Ariko began receiving the advances in April 2022. However, its authenticity has not been independently verified, and Parliament has not issued an official statement regarding the claims.
The allegations emerge amid ongoing investigations into the alleged misuse of parliamentary funds, which have already seen several former senior parliamentary officials face prosecution.
A source close to the legislator, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that Ariko has recently changed his movements in Kampala due to fears of possible investigations.
The source further alleged that the MP has reduced the use of his high-end vehicles, opting instead for smaller cars as investigations into the alleged payments continue.
“Even those of us who have been close to him are now worried because investigators could widen their inquiries,” the source claimed.
The Ankole Times could not independently verify the claims made by the source.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Ariko were unsuccessful by the time of publication, as his known telephone contacts were unavailable.
Ariko previously served as a private secretary to former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among before contesting and winning the Soroti City East parliamentary by-election. During that campaign, Among actively campaigned for him and was seen attending campaign activities in Soroti.
It remains unclear whether the alleged document forms part of any official investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm whether Ariko has been summoned, questioned, or charged in connection with the alleged payments.
More Detail to come
