President Museveni has directed the Attorney General to initiate an investigation into the service awards received by Speaker Among and former Leader of Opposition Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, along with three NRM commissioners of parliament. This decision follows revelations of financial mismanagement and fund misappropriation during the recent Parliament expose on social media, implicating the Speaker.
In his letter to the Attorney General, President Museveni seeks legal advice to determine if the service awards were granted lawfully or constituted illegal activity. Additionally, he questions whether the Attorney General was consulted to provide guidance.
Ministers Robinah Nabbanja and Matia Kasaija distanced themselves from the service awards, claiming they were unaware until reports surfaced in the media.
“If the service awards were not in violation of any laws, then it raises moral questions that warrant political consequences,” President Museveni stated, outlining potential repercussions such as dismissal or loss of political positions, in line with the NRM’s rule book.
In contrast, the NUP took a decisive stance, demanding that Mpuuga refund the 500 million he received and recalling him from parliament, a demand he resisted.
President Museveni also questioned the actions of the NRM parliamentary caucus regarding the awards, criticizing them as contrary to the interests of the people and the revolution.
President Museveni expressed concern over the awards, questioning the rationale behind the parliamentary commissioners awarding themselves significant sums, purportedly higher than other MPs’ earnings, without parliamentary or legal committee discussions.
He emphasized the need to prioritize funding for essential sectors like infrastructure, rather than allowing wealth accumulation at the country’s expense.
“How can Parliamentary Commissioners, who apparently earn more than other MPs award themselves all that money? What special services did they provide? Who approved the awards? I am told that it was never discussed by Parliament or the Committee on Legal Affairs. Find out. When we are struggling to find money for roads, electricity, and other sectors that bring value into our economy?” President Museveni wondered.
Speaker Among faces additional challenges, including sanctions from foreign countries and allegations of property and bank accounts in the UK with substantial deposits, as revealed by President Museveni.
It remains to be seen how she will address these issues amid mounting scrutiny.
