Documents shared on social media have raised concerns regarding the spending of Parliament, specifically regarding the approval of per diems for 10 trips allegedly undertaken by Speaker Anita Among between July 2023 and January 2024.
In response to these claims, Parliament has refuted allegations that Speaker Among spent Shs3 billion on foreign travels within six months, deeming them as exaggerations. The issue came to light after journalist Agather Atuhaire, affiliated with the activism group Agora Discourse, posted documents on social media purportedly showing per diems approved for the Speaker’s trips.
The documents indicate allocations for trips to several countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Italy, Turkey, and Russia. However, Parliament’s Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Chris Obore, dismissed most of these claims as forgeries aimed at tarnishing the Speaker’s reputation.
Mr. Obore cited a previous incident where similar allegations were made against the First Lady, which later turned out to be baseless. He emphasized Speaker Among’s minimal foreign travel, aligning with the President’s directive to limit overseas travel.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Adolf Mwesige, expressed skepticism regarding the authenticity of the documents, highlighting the lack of evidence. He also pointed out a separate document shared by Ms. Atuhaire alleging foreign trips by himself, which remained unverified.
A detailed examination of the alleged trips revealed discrepancies in the information provided. For instance, while one document claimed allocation of funds for a trip to the Vatican in Italy, another document lacked evidence of such an excursion. Despite this, Speaker Among confirmed her visit to the Vatican via social media.
The controversy further escalated as questions arose regarding simultaneous foreign trips and allocations during the Speaker’s maternity leave. Some trips mentioned in the documents, such as attending the National Assembly of Kenya, occurred during the Speaker’s absence due to maternity leave.
Concerns were also raised about the disbursement and utilization of allocated funds, with ambiguity surrounding the timing and beneficiaries of these allocations. Mr. Mwesige explained that funding for trips depended on various factors, sometimes necessitating MPs or Speakers to use personal funds.
Amidst the allegations, Parliament defended its stance, refuting claims of mismanagement and asserting that such accusations were politically motivated. Additionally, controversies surrounding service awards awarded by the Parliamentary Commission added to the ongoing scrutiny of Parliament’s financial practices.
Indeed,..ruling party NRM,..is full of arrogance,…And less sense to mind,…bout the use of tax payees money,..On such huge heavy cabinet of Uganda eg (how can speaker of Parliament,..get spent on 400,000$ dollars Annually) etc….(cic) Qn to-explain why,..too many ministers, members of Parliament NRM,to much constituencies,etc