Among Shields MPs from “Corrupt” Label Despite Corruption Charges

In a recent parliamentary session, Speaker Anita Anette Among urged MPs to avoid labeling their detained colleagues as corrupt, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. This comes in the wake of President Museveni’s intensified campaign against corruption, which has implicated several lawmakers.

Among, herself under scrutiny following sanctions from the UK and US over corruption allegations, defended her stance by asserting that without concrete evidence, accusations should not be made. “Even if some of our members have been arrested and they are in prison, there is a presumption of innocence… You cannot say somebody is a thief. Nobody is corrupt, if that is what you want to hear,” she stated.

Her remarks may further strain the relationship between Parliament and the Executive, which has accused lawmakers of colluding to embezzle public funds by manipulating the national budget. Among’s defense was a response to President Museveni’s recent letter addressing Parliament, in which he cited corruption as a reason for rejecting the Appropriation Bill 2024.

In his letter, Museveni highlighted issues of indiscipline in budgeting, sabotaging national priorities, and suspicions of massive corruption. He specifically referenced the arrest of MPs involved in the Budget Committee, who have been accused of demanding kickbacks to influence budget allocations. Among those detained are Cissy Nammujju (Lwengo District Woman), Paul Akamba (Busiki), and Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East), who allegedly sought a 20 percent kickback from budget increases for the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

This is not the first time Among has defended those accused of corruption. Previously, she publicly supported Namujju during a function in Lwengo District, suggesting that sharing stolen funds with constituents mitigated the wrongdoing.

The debate on corruption during the plenary session was divisive. Some MPs criticized President Museveni’s comments, while others acknowledged the corruption within their ranks. Erute South MP Jonathan Odur expressed discomfort over the allegations against the Budget Committee, emphasizing the need for a thorough review by the entire House. Budget Committee chairperson Patrick Isiagi defended his committee, explaining that their recommendations are based on sectoral committee reports.

Kazo MP Dan Kimosho stressed that the entire Parliament is implicated in the budget process, urging MPs to acknowledge their collective responsibility.

Despite efforts to address the corruption allegations, the issue remains contentious, reflecting broader challenges in Uganda’s governance and accountability systems.