Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, has initiated formal requests to government accountability and anti-corruption institutions for an investigation into serious accusations of widespread corruption and office misconduct in Parliament.
Ssenyonyi’s pursuit of thorough accountability encountered obstacles when information surfaced that he had requested a per diem for a supposed five-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, totaling $4,250 (equivalent to Shs16.3 million), despite only being out of the country for a single day. If these allegations are confirmed, Ssenyonyi might be subjected to the same inquiries he has directed at the implicated leaders of the Parliament.
Ssenyonyi disclosed on Thursday morning that two days prior, on March 20, he had written to the Inspector General of Government, Beti Kamya; the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo; the Auditor General’s Office, and the Financial Intelligence Authority. He referenced information that has been circulating on social media, which has brought the Parliament’s leadership under intense scrutiny over the last two weeks.
During a press conference in his office at the Parliamentary Buildings, Ssenyonyi stated that his correspondence bolsters the current call for accountability concerning the billions of shillings spent.
In his letters, he is seeking responses from the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among; the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige; and other parliamentary staff regarding their alleged complicity in various abuses. This encompasses allegations of embezzlement, exploitation of parliamentary privileges, questionable service awards, and potential irregularities in staff recruitment.
He is also demanding an explanation as to whether a substantial contract allegedly linked to the Speaker was granted in accordance with public procurement rules.
The allegations have been public for nearly a month after a civic awareness group released a plethora of documents on social media with the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition.
In his letter to the IGG, Ssenyonyi called for a detailed and unbiased investigation in line with the Inspector General of Government Act, highlighting the significance of maintaining integrity and accountability within the government.
On the same day, Beti Kamya withdrew her earlier declaration to investigate corruption in Parliament, pointing to an ongoing audit by the Auditor General’s Office. Kamya confirmed receipt of Ssenyonyi’s letter, which had initially motivated her to announce an investigation. She elaborated on the collaborative approach to investigations and the usual protocol of following up after the Auditor General’s report, emphasizing respect for Parliament while maintaining a commitment to their responsibilities.
