The decision that the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has taken against corruption was long overdue, and this has opened the hearts of many Ugandans who pay taxes daily, yet their taxes only benefit a clique of people.
Honestly speaking, let us look at history. Parliament was known to be a place for legislation, not a place for money-making.
H.E. Edward Ssekandi was a full Speaker, deputised by Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala, but Ssekandi later left the seat and was appointed Vice President. What image did he leave behind in Parliament?
Later, Rt Hon Kadaga was a full Speaker for ten years, deputised by the late Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah. What did she rob from Parliament?
Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah served there as both Deputy Speaker and full Speaker before a short illness took his life. What did he take from Parliament? Look at his village mansion that has remained accommodation for rodents.
I have read the outburst of some people against our Secretary General, Rt Hon Daudi Kabanda, for conveying the message from our PLU leader to the PLU team regarding his stand against the endorsement of Rt Hon Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, for a second term as Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
What Rt Hon Secretary General Daudi Kabanda did was simply playing his role, nothing else.
I remember I wrote something last time when I saw people giving others Shs100 million, Shs10 million, Shs20 million, and Shs5 million to buy birthday run kits. They thought Gen Muhoozi would be convinced by that, not knowing that even if they had not turned up for the run, Gen Muhoozi’s birthday would not change.
I would like to thank Gen Muhoozi for boldly coming out and refusing to endorse leaders who are causing suffering to Ugandans. Afande Gen, please remain focused on ending corruption in this country. Thank you for the peace we Ugandans are enjoying, but this peace has also ushered in terrible corruption. Please help us.
You have put a strong order in the army. The theft of fuel and food meant for ground troops by high-ranking soldiers is now history. I have no doubt that you will manage to eliminate this too, even if the rest of the officials do not support you since they are the beneficiaries. Continue doing it for the sake of saving the majority of Ugandans, not the minority.
In my next write-up, I will show Ugandans the assets owned by the current Speakers compared to the assets owned by the previous Speakers and Deputy Speakers.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
