Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Uganda’s Parliament, has officially petitioned the country’s primary oversight and anti-corruption agencies to launch an inquiry into the serious accusations of rampant corruption and office misconduct within the legislative assembly.
Ssenyonyi’s initiative for complete transparency encountered a complication when it was disclosed that he had filed for a per diem for a supposed five-day sojourn to Nairobi, Kenya, which amounted to $4,250 (roughly Shs16.3 million), despite his actual time abroad being only a single day. If these allegations are validated, Ssenyonyi might be subject to the same scrutiny he has sought for the parliamentary leaders currently under accusation.
On Thursday morning, Ssenyonyi revealed that he had sent letters on March 20 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 mentioned that part of the information he used was obtained from social media, which has recently placed the parliamentary leadership under intense public examination.
In a media briefing at the Parliamentary Buildings, Ssenyonyi expressed that his letters were aimed at reinforcing the ongoing efforts for accountability concerning the billions of shillings spent.
He has called upon the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among; the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige; and other staff members to answer to various concerns regarding their alleged involvement in financial misdeeds. The concerns include potential embezzlement, inappropriate use of parliamentary privileges, questionable service awards, and possible irregularities in the recruitment of staff.
He also seeks an explanation regarding whether a substantial contract allegedly associated with the Speaker was awarded in line with public procurement guidelines.
These allegations have been in the spotlight for nearly a month after a civic group released several documents on social media under the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition.
In his correspondence to the IGG, Ssenyonyi stressed the severity of these allegations and their possible effects on the democratic system and public welfare, requesting a comprehensive and neutral investigation as per the Inspector General of Government Act.
Simultaneously, Beti Kamya announced her decision to step back from her previously stated plan to investigate corruption in Parliament, pointing to an ongoing audit by the Auditor General’s Office. Kamya acknowledged receiving Ssenyonyi’s letter, which had initially inspired her to consider an investigation. She outlined the cooperative approach to such probes and the standard practice of deferring to the Auditor General’s Office, with her office engaging post-audit, all while upholding respect for Parliament and dedication to their investigative role.
