You may have seen the hashtag #OccupyKampala trending on twitter, this is in line with the spirited effort by a section of Ugandans to peacefully demonstrate against the rampant corruption on 23rd July, 2024. The destination is parliament which most Ugandans think is one of the most corrupt institutions in the country. We believe parliament is corrupt and the political leaders at parliament are simply using their authority to redeem the monies they spent during the campaign period and also the guarantee their own future.
Ugandans are marching to parliament against corruption in response to a series of allegations and incidents that highlight widespread bribery and financial inducements within the government. The National Unity Platform (NUP), raised concerns about a Shs 3.5 trillion supplementary budget that included Shs 55.6 billion allegedly allocated to ‘thank’ parliamentarians for approving the budget. This amount was reportedly intended for distribution among MPs, with each receiving around Shs 100 million.
Not too long ago, there have been accusations that MPs received bribes ranging from Shs 500,000 to Shs 2 million to support the retention of certain government agencies that were proposed to be returned to their mother ministries. These allegations were denied by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who asserted that MPs were not bribed and were fulfilling their duties on behalf of their constituents. Despite the denials, the persistent claims of corruption and bribery have fueled public dissatisfaction and prompted citizens to march against corruption, demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders.
An anonymous MP shared with one of the newspapers that financial transactions often occur at the committee level, where committee leadership interacts with relevant agencies or parties, sometimes sending clerks to facilitate these interactions. If parties fail to comply, they are aggressively quizzed before the media, broadcasting the encounters live. This combative dynamic usually ends when parties or agencies capitulate and comply. Agencies often provide funds to the committee’s top leadership, who then instruct members on meeting conduct. Media access to these meetings is selectively allowed, highlighting inconsistent transparency and this happens at parliament.
The money is usually collected by committee leadership or clerks and distributed among members, with the most active receiving the largest shares. This practice transcends political affiliations, ensuring that everyone involved gets a portion. Committees, paid to produce favorable reports, wield significant influence over parliamentary decisions. Consequently, agencies seeking influence target these committees first. One MP candidly noted that if the public truly understood MPs’ actions, they would be met with hostility in their constituencies.
An opposition MP who joined parliament in 2021 was warned by a colleague about the dangers of refusing money, emphasizing the risks involved and advising against signing documents if money was accepted. Ugandans are aware about this and they are tired.
The recent sanctions against Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among by the UK further illustrate the gravity of corruption issues. Among has an array of corruption allegations, one of which she not been held accountable for any. In her short stint as Speaker of Parliament, issues concerning massive funds misappropriation at parliament, financing her expensive life and personal development, purchase of real estate in London, punlic display of illicitly obtained wealth, routing and transfer of punlic funds through individual accounts among many other areas of serious concern and discontentment by Ugandans. Her public comments about corruption where she endorsed some of the MPs detained over corruption. Some section of citizens think of it as political naivete but Among is not naïve, it is reckless and unmindful of the entire populace.
The activities of 23rd July, 2024 can be a turning point in the behavior of the political class in this country.
