72 Opposition MPs Sign Resolution against Ugx 100M Pay-out

The Shadow Cabinet has demanded an investigation by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) into the alleged 100 million Shillings payout to Members of Parliament from classified expenditure, describing the transaction as “organized corruption” orchestrated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, and the Shadow Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Jonathan Odur called for urgent accountability on the matter.

The Shadow Cabinet also accused the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of frustrating legislative oversight by blocking debate on audit reports related to classified expenditures. 

“We are calling on the IGG to take up this matter and investigate what appears to be institutionalized corruption. Parliament must not be used as a laundering ground for misuse of public funds under the veil of classified budgets,” said Ssenyonyi.

The opposition leaders further demanded amendments to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015, to strengthen transparency and prevent future abuse of public resources. Odur emphasized that allowing Parliament to scrutinize and debate classified expenditures is essential for upholding accountability and protecting taxpayer funds. The opposition leaders condemned the alleged payout, labeling it as “dubious” and a threat to transparency and accountability in public finance management.

Reports that emerged last week suggested that MPs received the money either from Parliament or directly from the Speaker’s official residence in Nakasero. A video clip shared by Ssenyonyi appeared to show legislators entering Parliament at night with bags, allegedly to collect the cash. 

However, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on April 15 denied the allegations during plenary, following a query raised by Muhammad Kivumbi (Butambala County). This came despite a letter from President Museveni dated April 11 confirming the payments to MPs.

During the same press briefing, the Shadow Cabinet unveiled a list signed by 72 opposition MPs disassociating themselves from the cash handouts. They alleged that the money was used to entice MPs into supporting the controversial Coffee Bill and an upcoming amendment to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, which is expected to be tabled this week.

The opposition’s concerns come in the wake of the Supreme Court’s January 31 ruling, which nullified the prosecution of civilians in military courts. In response, the government is reportedly seeking to amend the UPDF Act to allow court-martial jurisdiction over civilians.

Jonathan Odur accused the presiding officers of abdicating their oversight role by failing to allow adequate scrutiny of classified budgets, which he said opens the door to abuse.

Odur, who also represents Erute South, emphasized that proposed amendments to the PFMA, 2015, have long been stalled. He blamed this on persistent obstruction by parliamentary leadership, which he said has denied MPs access to vital audit reports needed to trigger informed debate and reforms.