A group of activists, led by Agather Atuhaire, Dr. Spire Ssentongo, and Godwin Toko, have launched a campaign dubbed “Text the Theft,” aimed at exposing individuals who glorify corruption. The campaign was launched following recent controversial statements from Members of Parliament, including Speaker Anita Among, who expressed support for fellow MPs who were remanded to Luzira prison last week on allegations of corruption.
In her address in Lwengo, 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 MP, 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 glorifying corruption, as they are more concerned with protecting their own than serving the public good.
The activists have decided to launch the “Text the Theft” campaign, which aims to mobilize citizens to expose instances of corruption and hold those who glorify it accountable. Agora Discourse, a digital platform advocating for human rights, public accountability, and social justice, is spearheading the campaign, sharing phone numbers of those alleged to have been involved in corruption.
The public has been tasked to text or call their respective leaders who are alleged to be corrupt or those who are not participating in the fight against those who misuse public funds.
Last evening, President Yoweri Museveni issued a statement revealing how he has renewed his fight against corruption. He described the “thieves” as parasites that must be stamped out, as they negatively affect Uganda’s development. “This year, our economy grew by 6%. It will grow in double digits if we stamp out thieves and the indisciplined,” he said.
