by Temiteo Okwakol
In a heated session at the Ugandan Parliament, the censure motion targeting the Parliamentary Commissioners has stirred up a storm of accusations, denials, and divisions among MPs.
The motion, spearheaded by Theodore Ssekikubo of Lwemiyaga County, alleges misconduct by the Commissioners, particularly concerning the awarding of a hefty service award of Shs1.7 billion to themselves. However, the process has encountered significant skepticism and resistance from some MPs.
Lutamaguzi Ssemakula of Nakaseke South vehemently denied allegations of receiving Shs25 million to abstain from signing the motion. His distrust towards Ssekikubo, stemming from past political events, initially deterred him from supporting the motion. However, upon learning about the alleged financial improprieties of the Commissioners, he reluctantly signed, expressing his last shred of trust in the initiative.
The absence of Yorke Alion, an MP involved in the censure process, who purportedly traveled to Canada for a 26-day holiday, further fueled doubts about the legitimacy of the motion. However, revelations of the Commissioners drawing a monthly salary of Shs23 million, in addition to the controversial service award, compelled Lutamaguzi to back the motion, albeit with reservations.
Wilfred Niwagaba, the Shadow Attorney General, declined to sign the motion, insisting on tangible evidence of the alleged wrongdoing before committing his support. Similarly, Nathan Byanyima of Bukanga North voiced skepticism about the grounds for censure, cautioning against the intimidation of MPs and emphasizing the need for transparency and airtight evidence.
Abdu Katuntu, Chairperson of Parliament’s Rules Committee, distanced himself from the motion, citing his role in handling allegations of misbehavior of MPs, which might conflict with his participation in accusing fellow MPs.
Sarah Opendi of Tororo DWR accused Niwagaba of acting as a “hired gun” and rejected attempts to resolve the issue internally. She emphasized the need for accountability and criticized attempts to conflate corruption allegations with homosexuality, urging a focus on addressing corruption as a distinct issue.
Despite internal divisions and skepticism, the censure motion remains a contentious topic in the Ugandan Parliament, highlighting deep-rooted concerns about accountability and transparency within the legislative body.