KAMPALA, UG – The Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) has called additional Members of Parliament (MPs) to its headquarters in Kibuli for questioning regarding ongoing corruption scandals.
The legislators are expected to appear on Thursday and Friday, June 13 and 14, 2024. This development follows the recent arrest and remand of three MPs on related charges.
The implicated MPs, Cissy Namujju, Yusuf Mutembuli, and Paul Akamba, were remanded to Luzira prison until Friday, June 14, 2024, by Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro. They have pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting a bribe from Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya. Allegedly, the bribe amounted to 20% of the commission’s budget. Efforts to secure bail for the accused have so far been unsuccessful.
In addition to the legislators, several officials from the Ministry of Finance are reportedly under investigation. These officials are suspected of colluding with MPs to embezzle public funds.
The accused MPs are represented by a legal team led by lawyer Caleb Mwesigwa and Hon. Asuma Basalirwa. Basalirwa has criticized the handling of the case, claiming that the MPs were held incommunicado, which delayed their appearance in court.
Amid the scandal, some MPs, including Martin Ojala Mapenduzi, have expressed concerns that many legislators might avoid the Budget Reading function scheduled for tomorrow at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, fearing potential summons over corruption allegations.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has also responded to the arrests. NRM Secretary General Richard Twodong has expressed the party’s commitment to combating corruption and supported the arrest of the three NRM legislators.
Twodong revealed that the party is conducting a rigorous review process to vet candidates for chairperson positions on parliamentary committees. This vetting process is expected to conclude on Friday, June 14, 2024, with the announcement of those who pass the screening.
“In an unprecedented move, the ruling party has decided to thoroughly vet candidates for chairperson positions on Parliamentary committees. After a three-day review, those who pass the screening will be announced on Friday this week,” said Twodong.
The unfolding scandal and subsequent investigations have cast a shadow over the parliamentary activities, with significant implications for both the legislative and executive branches of the government.
The situation continues to develop as more officials are brought in for questioning and the NRM seeks to restore its image and integrity in the face of the corruption allegations.
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