A section of legislators, spearheaded by Theodore Ssekikubo of Lwemiyaga County, is demanding the dismissal of four MPs from the Parliamentary Commission. This call comes in response to revelations that the MPs shared Shs1.7 billion among themselves as a service award.

In a press conference held at Parliament, Ssekikubo announced his intention to lead a censure motion against the implicated MPs. The motion specifically targets Esther Afoyochan of Zombo DWR, Prossy Akampulira of Rubanda DWR, Solomon Silwany of Bukooli Central, and Mathias Mpuuga.

According to Ssekikubo, MPs must be exemplary by saying no to misconduct and diversion of public funds.

He says the censure motion needs only about 177 signatures and that MPs should come and sign the motion instead of shying away. Ssekikubo also advised Mpuuga and other beneficiaries to resign before the motion is passed.

 “Duty demands that MPs must come back, they can’t keep hiding, we aren’t interested in other officers, but the Commissioners are ours, we must set the example, we must say no to the misconduct, to the diversion of public funds for personal aggrandizement and this is the time. The Commissioners now is their time, they can step down, they can resign before the motion catches up with them,” Hon. Ssekikubo said.

Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West) thanked Ssekikubo for taking the bold step at the initiation of the censure motion, saying this will save MPs who have been criticized for their silence over the service award among their electorates.

“In our areas, they have been attacking us that we were all bought because we are saying nothing. And all our efforts must be geared towards putting the image of this institution ahead of others. Look at our new chambers that they are building, they are all stuck, now we appointed Commissioners, they are supposed to push for the construction of the new chambers but they are there enjoying themselves with money,” said Ssewungu.

“But we call upon MPs to examine their conscience and to have love for the country, short of that, the country is going to the dogs. You people, we are going to lose this country because if we fail here at Parliament, the watchdog, then the country is as good as gone,” added Ssewungu.

Patrick Oshabe (MP Kassanda North) said the service award was immoral and claimed that Mpuuga has continued to masquerade as a commissioner of parliament even when his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), is against him.

“You can appropriate yourself Shs500m for your benefit, and you do nothing about the people you represent. The service award was immoral; it wasn’t right. Mpuuga, the National Unity Platform told you this was immoral, but you continue masquerading as Commissioner, when the party that appointed you told you that this was immoral,” he said.

Sarah Opendi (Tororo Woman) asked Ugandans to ensure that all their MPs append their signatures on the censure motion remarking, “I also want to call upon the voters to cross-check whether your MPs have appended their signatures, we shall be publishing this list and please see those MPs who aren’t here to serve you and MPs.”

Yorke Alion (Aringa South) remarked, “The time is now, Parliament is the highest institution in this country, we aren’t going to promote acts of corruption. Commissioners are our representatives and we advised them to resign, up to today, they have refused to step aside. We are now taking action to impeach them.”

Mpuuga is reported to have received UGX 500 million as a service award for his work as LOP in parliament. Other commissioners are said to have received UGX 400 million. The Parliamentary Commission Service Award received a lot of backlash on social media, with many netizens calling for the sacking of Mathia Mpuuga.

Whereas Mpuuga was told to resign from his position as commissioner of parliament by the NUP, he didn’t heed the order and has continued to present himself as such.