Kampala, Uganda – A storm has erupted in Uganda’s Parliament following explosive allegations that both ruling party and opposition MPs quietly received UGX 100 million each as a "token of appreciation" for passing the 2024 Coffee Bill, sparking public outrage and fierce denials.
How the Scandal Unfolded
1. Whistleblower Accusations
- Butambala MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (shadow minister for accountability) demanded transparency after reports surfaced that MPs took money during the bill’s approval.
- Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi backed him, stating: "If this happened, it’s corruption—plain and simple!"
2. Deputy Speaker’s Fury
- Thomas Tayebwa dismissed claims as "baseless gossip", warning those linking Parliament to underhand deals:
"Name names or face legal action! Don’t tarnish Parliament’s image."
- Denied knowledge of any payments, insisting all parliamentary allowances are documented.
3. Government’s Silence
- Sports Minister Denis Hamson Obua, accused of coordinating payments, remained conspicuously mute.
- Rubabo County MP Naboth Namanya admitted "hearing rumors" but claimed he’d use any such funds for road repairs in his constituency.
A History of Controversial "Bonuses"
This isn’t Parliament’s first cash scandal:
- 2005: MPs got UGX 5M each to lift presidential term limits.
- 2011: Opposition MPs allegedly took UGX 20M to "consult voters."
- 2017: UGX 29M per MP (totaling UGX 102B) to remove age limits.
- 2022: UGX 40M payments linked to UGX 77B presidential supplementary budget.
- 2023: UGX 100M alleged amid UGX 5.2T budget debates (Speaker Among denied this).
Public Backlash
- Social media erupted with MPsForSale trends.
- Anti-corruption activists demanded audits:
"If no money exchanged hands, prove it with bank statements!" – ACFIM spokesperson
- Coffee farmers fumed: "They get millions while we struggle with low prices!"
What’s Next?
- Accountability Committee pressured to investigate.
- Civil society groups petitioning IGG to probe alleged bribes.
- Opposition MPs vow to table motion for transparency.
