The Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament, Florence Kabugho, has broken her silence, stating that she did not receive the Shs100 million allegedly disbursed to legislators by the government.
Kabugho made the statement on Monday evening during a fundraising event at Nyakabale Vocational Secondary School in Bwera Sub-county, Bukonzo County West, where she was the chief guest.
Her remarks follow a statement made last Friday by President Yoweri Museveni, confirming that Members of Parliament recently received UGX 100 million each through classified funding.
According to the President, the funds were intended to “promote activities that help in defeating enemy schemes in Uganda,” asserting that the money served a patriotic purpose.
However, Kabugho told attendees that the money was actually given to MPs as a token of appreciation for their support of the Coffee Amendment Bill, which was passed by Parliament last year.
She explained that she did not accept the money because she opposed the bill, arguing that it would negatively impact coffee farmers.
Kabugho also raised concerns about upcoming legislation, including the Land and Court Martial Bills, which she said were being advanced through the Office of the Prime Minister.
She warned that, if passed, these laws could have adverse effects on the local communities.
In response to the ongoing controversy, Robert Asingya Muthoma, a lawyer based in Kasese Municipality, urged other MPs to publicly declare whether they received the money.
Meanwhile, Ronald Bwambale Kabuku, the Kasese District FDC Chairperson, suggested that MPs who accepted the funds should return the Shs100 million to their constituents for collective budgeting.
He argued that this approach would ensure the money is used effectively, rather than being misused by a few individuals.
