Kampala, UG – The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has issued a stern warning to legislators against accepting inducements from accounting officers, following the recent arrest and remand of three National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament on corruption charges.

Lwengo Woman MP Cissy Namujju, Paul Akamba of Busiki County, and Yusuf Mutembuli of Bunyole East were remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of soliciting bribes.

The prosecution alleges that the MPs demanded a 20% kickback from Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), to influence the Parliament’s Budget Committee to increase the UHRC’s budget for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Speaking at the second sitting of the first meeting of the fourth session, Speaker Among emphasized the importance of integrity and transparency in parliamentary duties.

She disclosed that the 2024/2025 National Budget is the result of extensive consultations with various stakeholders, guided by the Constitution, the Public Finance Management Act, the National Audit Act, and the Local Government Act of 1997.

“The 2024/2025 budget is a product of a complementary working relationship between the three arms of government,” Among stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind the budget formulation.

The Speaker used the budget reading platform to caution MPs against falling into corruption traps. She urged legislators to resist inducements from accounting officers, emphasizing that such actions could lead to severe consequences.

“It’s unfortunate that some accounting officers have decided to keep silent on issues related to the influence of manipulation of the budget,” Among remarked, expressing concerns about the reluctance of some officers to report influence peddling and budget manipulation.

Among also called on accounting officers to diligently perform their duties and ensure the proper utilization of public resources. She stressed the need for openness and accountability, urging officers to come forward with information related to any undue influence on their budgets.

The arrests and the Speaker’s warnings underscore the Ugandan government’s commitment to combating corruption and promoting accountability within public institutions. The situation continues to develop as the court prepares for the next hearing on June 17.