Leader of Opposition and National Unity Platform (NUP) party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi has dismissed allegations that he was bribed with a large sum of money, calling them “propaganda” and “hogwash.”
The allegations were made by journalist Dean Lubowa Saava on the local online platform “The Investigator Updates” and during an interview titled “Direct Shot.”
He alleged that Ssenyonyi received a bribe of Shs 1 billion from the Civil Aviation Authority while serving as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE), to silence him.
Through his known X handle (formerly Twitter), Ssenyonyi said that it is expected that when one fights corruption in Uganda, those who benefit from it will find means to fight back. He scoffed at those accusing him of taking a bribe, saying they should be consistent with their figures.
“You can’t say I took Shs 1 billion today, then tomorrow Shs 1.4 billion, and the other day Shs 1.7 billion; be organized even as you spew out your propaganda,” Ssenyonyi said.
He also challenged the accusers to produce the alleged “audios and evidence” to prove their claims.
Nonetheless, Ssenyonyi stated that the accusation will not stop him and the NUP party from exposing corruption in government.
“We shall continue to speak out against corruption by the thieves in Parliament, whom you all know very well,” he said.
Last week, Ssenyonyi’s legal representatives, Pace Advocates, sent a notice addressed to Saava and Geoffrey Lukwago, demanding a retraction and apology. Dated June 27, 2024, the letter states that the allegations against Ssenyonyi are false, malicious, and aimed at damaging his reputation.
He demanded a written and video retraction of the false statements within 48 hours from the date of the letter, to be published on the same platforms where the allegations were originally made. Failure to comply will result in civil action seeking substantial damages.
In response, Saava recorded a video vowing not to retract his statements, but rather said that he had more information about Ssenyonyi’s dealings.
