By Mike Rwothomio

West Nile: Esther Afoyochan, the Woman MP for Zombo District and a Parliament commissioner has vehemently denied the corruption allegations being levelled against her.

Speaking at a recent event at St. Peters College-Warr, Afoyochan accused the media and her political opponents of exaggerating and spreading false narratives to tarnish her reputation.

Afoyochan urged her detractors to focus on presenting concrete plans for the people of Zombo rather than engaging in smear campaigns. She specifically criticized the media for sensationalizing unsubstantiated claims against her.

“I want to thank my constituents in Zombo for their prayers during this challenging time,” Afoyochan said, acknowledging the support she has received. She also expressed gratitude to Ora County MP Songa Biyika Lawrence for refraining from signing a petition aimed at having her and other commissioners removed from their positions.

Afoyochan emphasized her innocence, stating, “If I were guilty, I wouldn’t be moving around freely and being guarded.” She reiterated that the accusations against her are politically motivated.

The remarks come at a time when MPs Theodore Sekikubo (Lwemiyaga South) and Alioni Odria (Aringa South) have been gathering signatures to table a motion to impeach four parliamentary commissioners, including Afoyochan. The petitioners claim to have collected the required 177 signatures to bring the motion to the floor of Parliament.

In the West Nile sub-region, only 14 out of over 40 MPs signed the censure motion. Among the Greater Nebbi MPs, only Ishaka Otimgiu, MP for Padyere County, supported the motion.

The allegations of corruption in the Ugandan Parliament have sparked widespread debate and led to protests in Kampala. Many youths took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations, resulting in several arrests and detentions.

During a recent graduation ceremony at Ora Technical Institute-Warr, Ora County MP Songa Biyika Lawrence distanced himself from the corruption scandal, assuring his constituents that his name would not be associated with any corruption cases.

“You have heard about corruption everywhere, and some MPs are already arrested for related issues. I assure you, you will never hear my name in such scandals,” Songa said to the attendees.

The corruption allegations involve a “service award” totalling UGX 1.7 billion, allegedly self-awarded by commissioners including former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (UGX 500 million), Esther Afoyochan (UGX 400 million), Prosy Akampurira, the Woman MP for Rubanda District (UGX 400 million), and Solomon Silwany, the Bukooli Central MP (UGX 400 million).

In response to Afoyochan’s claims of media exaggeration, Alex Pithua, Executive Director of the Zombo Press Association, defended the journalists, stating, “Our members report facts objectively and professionally, adhering to journalistic principles.”

Several women who have expressed interest in contesting against Afoyochan in the 2026 elections declined to comment on the matter. One anonymous source described Afoyochan’s statements as political rhetoric, suggesting she should focus on clearing her name.

The public debate about the “service award” has been fueled by a social media campaign dubbed the “Parliament Exhibition,” led by activists exposing alleged corruption within Parliament. Currently, some MPs are on remand in Luzira Prison over corruption charges, following President Yoweri Museveni’s strong anti-corruption statements in his recent State of the Nation address.