Former MP and Leader of the Opposition, Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo, has strongly criticized the current Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, stating that they are unfit for their positions.
Latigo, who also represented Uganda at the Pan-African Parliament, expressed his concerns about the state of the Ugandan parliament under their leadership. “Our parliament is like a district council. People who should not be parliamentarians are there. I have no fear in saying, the current speaker does not deserve to be the speaker of parliament. Neither does the deputy. What qualifications do they have? What experience in terms of stature?” Latigo remarked. He further alleged that MPs are receiving bribes to pass laws, which he considers a severe form of corruption.
Reflecting on his time in parliament, Latigo lamented the degradation of its integrity. “For some of us who were in parliament when it was a national service, the pain of seeing or even reading about this is too much,” he said.
Latigo is particularly troubled by allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and extortion within the parliament. Among and Tayebwa have been accused of misappropriating public funds for personal gain. Recently, reports emerged that parliament allocated funds to procure generators for their private residences, following clearance from the solicitor general.
Latigo also called for a reduction in the size of parliament, citing the high number of MPs and their lavish expenses as part of the problem. He criticized the electorate for voting in politicians who offer bribes rather than those who are competent. “For the electorate all over Uganda, when you throw away the Latigos, you’re not punishing Latigo, you’re shooting yourself in the foot,” he warned. Latigo urged voters to change their approach to avoid further suffering due to poor representation.
Despite his criticism, Latigo praised President Museveni for taking action against corruption in parliament and government agencies. He believes that consistent efforts by the president could significantly reduce corruption. “If the president really acts, these MPs get arrested, jailed, they lose their seats…you will see a different change,” Latigo stated. He advised the president to let systems work independently to ensure a lasting legacy and a peaceful retirement.
President Museveni recently announced that he has evidence of corruption in parliament and various ministries and pledged to take decisive action. “I have been hearing stories that there is a racket from the ministry of Finance to parliament. I didn’t believe this, but now I have proof,” Museveni said, indicating that a crackdown on corruption is imminent.
Former Lands Minister Daniel Omara Atubo also weighed in on the issue, expressing his dismay at the pervasive corruption in Uganda. “In Uganda today, corruption is so deep that anybody can be bought including cultural and religious leaders. No integrity. No shame. No conscience. Money is everything. Why? Who caused the corruption?” he questioned.
