Christmas Reports
Over 500 legislators in the 11th parliament of the Republic of Uganda have Shs100m each as a token of appreciation for passing the Shs3.5 trillion supplementary budget.
Credible reports in the chambers indicate that the money was given in liquid cash and not deposited on legislator’s known bank accounts. Anonymous sources at parliament further indicate that recipients of this money were telephoned to pick the money in Kololo starting yesterday December 23, 2023.
The money was first revealed by the National Unity Platform MP, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi also the legislator of Butambala County last week.
Speaking at their party press conference
at Makerere-Kavule on December 12, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, the NUP party president said of the Shs 3.5 trillion supplementary budget that was passed by parliament, Shs 55.6 billion was meant to ‘thank’ parliament for agreeing to pass the budget.
“… each Member of Parliament is going to receive Shs100 million as a bribe for passing the supplementary budget worth Shs3.5 trillion budget,” Bobi alleged.
Bobi warned opposition lawmakers particularly the members of NUP to return the money to the consolidated funds once deposited on their accounts or reject the money when given in cash.
“This time they are back and they are giving each MP Shs100m. […] But, I am here to break the news of this new scandal to the public. And I am warning all NUP MPs and all those calling themselves opposition or pro-people that we are not going to cover up for anyone of you,” Bobi threatened.
Although the allegations were dismissed by the speaker of parliament Anitah Among who accused Kyagulanyi of being diversionary tactics over his alleged involvement with gay movements, it has been established that the money was indeed disbursed and shared to some legislators.
“There is a group that is maligning this House that we have either received or about to receive a bribe. These people are getting money for homosexuality, you are eating money do not cover your dirt using Parliament,” said Among
She warned that Parliament will not waste time on misleading stories aimed at benefiting a few individuals.
“We cannot allow to be diverted by the gay movement who are receiving foreign aid to erode our culture. If you are getting their money, selling your country keep quiet,” she added.
Among further tasked the Chairperson Budget Committee, Ignatius Mudimi to substantiate whether parliament was included on the entities to benefit from the Supplementary Budget.
A legislator from western Uganda who preferred anonymity confirmed receipt of the money adding that legislators both from the ruling and opposition governments received the cash.
Another MP from Mukono said there are reports that the money was selectively given out but denied having been contacted on the same.
