Summary:
- He continued, “As some MPs face arrest, we need to broaden the investigation of the Parliament of Uganda, starting with the Parliamentary Commission, where many questionable activities occur.
KAMPALA: Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi on Wednesday urged Speaker Anita Among not to manage the Parliamentary Commission as her personal kiosk.
Ssenyonyi, who has been excluded from Commission meetings, called on the police to widen its investigation into the Commission if it is serious about eliminating corruption in Parliament.
While addressing journalists at Parliament, Ssenyonyi highlighted that several committees are unable to perform their oversight roles due to a lack of funds, despite the Speaker spending billions of shillings on Corporate Social Responsibility.
“Let Parliament function as an institution, not as someone’s small kiosk or personal property. This issue is why we face challenges in this country. There are billions of shillings allocated for personal work while committees lack operational funds. I am challenging this and will not remain silent or be intimidated. I was elected by the people of Nakawa West, not invited by anyone in this building,” Ssenyonyi asserted.
He continued, “As some MPs face arrest, we need to broaden the investigation of the Parliament of Uganda, starting with the Parliamentary Commission, where many questionable activities occur. If investigators are serious, they should begin with the Commission. The Commission’s tendency to operate clandestinely without full member involvement raises much suspicion and must be addressed.”
Ssenyonyi added, “I will not stay quiet when things go wrong or when the Commission operates like a small clique. The Commission isn’t just a few backbenchers meeting to distribute money among themselves. They meet to approve recruitments, many of whom are reportedly their relatives. They award contracts, often involving conflicts of interest, as some companies receiving contracts are linked to those attending these exclusive meetings. This might be why some of us are not invited, as we would raise questions”.
