Here’s a bombshell that’s rocking Uganda’s political landscape: Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi has dropped a bombshell accusation, claiming that four Parliamentary Commissioners have allegedly pocketed a staggering Shs 1.6 billion in what he calls a 'Service Award Bonanza.' But here’s where it gets controversial—Ssenyonyi insists this money, sourced from taxpayers, was funneled through the Parliament Sacco to avoid detection. According to him, Commissioners Mathias Mpuuga (formerly of NUP), Solomon Silwanyi, Prossy Akampurira, and Afoyochan Esther each walked away with Shs 400 million under the guise of a service award. This isn’t the first time such payments have raised eyebrows, but this latest revelation adds fuel to an already fiery debate about accountability in public office.
And this is the part most people miss—Ssenyonyi claims the funds were strategically routed through the Parliament Sacco to leave no paper trail, making it nearly impossible to trace. He’s not just speculating; he says he has insider information that the Commissioners withdrew the money directly from the Sacco. If these claims hold water, it means Shs 1.6 billion of public funds were allocated to just four individuals, deepening the controversy over irregular payments in Parliament. This isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, transparency, and whether our institutions are truly serving the people.
Ssenyonyi, however, isn’t holding his breath for action from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG). Despite having what he calls reliable information, he’s reluctant to file another petition. Here’s the bold truth he’s highlighting: 'The problem isn’t the people in office; it’s the state’s indifference to corruption,' he says. This systemic issue, he argues, renders institutions like the IGG ineffective, even with new leadership like Aisha Naluzze Batala at the helm. It’s a damning statement that raises questions about the very foundations of accountability in Uganda.
Meanwhile, rumors have been swirling online that Ssenyonyi himself benefited from a separate Shs 650 million service award. He’s quick to shut down these claims, calling them a 'smokescreen' to divert attention from the Commissioners' alleged windfall. 'If any such payment lands in my account, I’ll return it immediately,' he declares, doubling down on his anti-corruption stance. But is this enough to silence his critics? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a system where accusations fly freely, how can we ensure accountability without resorting to mudslinging?
The allegations haven’t gone unanswered. Parliament’s spokesperson, Chris Obore, flatly denied the claims, stating, 'No such payout was made.' He even turned the tables on Ssenyonyi, challenging him to account for Shs 2.8 billion in his own office. 'He doesn’t run a department in Parliament,' Obore added, accusing Ssenyonyi of blackmail. Commissioner Solomon Silwanyi also fired back, urging Ssenyonyi to 'stop the excitement' and accusing him of trying to tarnish their reputation. 'He just wants to put us in a bad light,' Silwanyi said.
This back-and-forth isn’t just a political spat—it’s a battle for public trust. As the Leader of Opposition clashes with Parliamentary Commissioners and management, the spotlight on Parliament’s financial practices grows brighter. But here’s the real question: Are these allegations a call for reform, or just another chapter in Uganda’s political drama? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
