Members of Parliament, including Speaker Anita Among, are under fire from a section of Ugandans for glorifying corruption.
Speaker Among, along with several MPs, made comments over the weekend at the launch of Bukoto West MP Muhammad Ssentayi’s foundation in Katovu Town Council, Lwengo district.
They expressed support for fellow MPs Namujju, Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, and Bunyole East MP Yusuf Mutembuli, who were remanded to Luzira prison last week on allegations of asking Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Wangadya for 20% of the commission’s annual budget.
In her address, Speaker Anita Among assured the gathering that the MPs’ current predicament is temporary, stating, “As the president said, if your child misbehaves, punish them and tell them to go back and behave or serve better.”
She added, “You are better off having a child who may go and eat something, as long as they bring something back home.”
Similarly, Rakai Woman MP Juliet Kyinyamatama Suubi seemed to admit to the accusations against the MPs, specifically Namujju, saying, “If indeed Lwengo Woman MP Cissy Namujju asked for 20% of UHRC’s annual budget as a bribe to pass their budget, as she is being accused of, then she has been eating with her electorate in Lwengo, hasn’t she? Please give her a round of applause!”
The comments have attracted widespread criticism from the public, with many saying the MPs are more concerned with protecting their own interests than serving the public good.
Leader of Opposition in parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi commented, “When you see a leader defending corruption, the reason is simple, she/he is corrupt too. That’s why the fight against corruption keeps hitting snags, the big thieves are untouchable, and in turn they defend their fellow thieves!”
“It’s unacceptable that our elected officials are speaking out in favor of corruption. They should be working for the people, not perpetuating harmful practices,” said Kayongo Joseph.
Mwine Peter commented, “MPs are supposed to be leaders, not enablers of corruption. Their comments are a betrayal of the public’s trust.”
Alex Tumusiime added, “When those in power defend corruption, it sends a dangerous message that it’s acceptable behavior. We need to hold our leaders accountable for their words and actions.”
