Museveni’s speech has left NRM MPs confused about his stance on the motion to censure the four parliamentary commissioners.
During his address at Kololo Independence Ground after the Budget reading on Thursday, President Museveni remarked, “Don’t involve me in your struggles with the commissioners.” This comment unexpectedly influenced the ongoing censure motion in Parliament.
On May 21, lawmakers Theodore Ssekikubo, Joseph Ssewungu, Sarah Opendi, Patrick Nsamba, and Alioni Odria initiated the process of collecting signatures to censure commissioners Mathias Mpuuga, Esther Afoyochan, Solomon Silwanyi, and Prossy Akampurira. They are accused of illegally awarding themselves Shs1.7 billion.
Before Museveni’s speech, the signature collection was stagnating. However, following his comments, the effort gained new momentum. The next day, the signature count reached 164, just 12 short of the required 177.
Despite challenges, including a directive from Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua discouraging NRM-leaning MPs from signing and personal friendships with the commissioners, the motion picked up pace. Sarah Opendi emphasized the need to address corruption in Parliament, and more MPs started signing after Museveni’s comments.
If the motion secures the needed signatures, it will be submitted to the Clerk of Parliament, who must schedule it for discussion within two weeks. Approval by at least half of the MPs is required to remove the commissioners.
Critics argue the motion might indirectly target House Speaker Anita Among, complicating its success. However, Ssekikubo remains confident of surpassing the required signatures.
