Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament Hon.Asuman Basalirwa has announced his refusal to sign the petition to censure former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga and three other parliamentary commissioners implicated in the controversial ‘service reward’ scandal.
Basalirwa explained that his decision stems from a conflict of interest, as he will be representing Mpuuga and Solomon Silwany in their ongoing corruption case.
During an interview on Sanyuka Television, MP Asuman Basalirwa provided clarity on his decision regarding the censure motion against former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga and three other parliamentary commissioners.
Basalirwa explained that his decision is driven by professional ethics, as he will be representing Mpuuga and Silwany in the Anti-Corruption Court.
"I have not signed the petition and I won’t over three reasons," Basalirwa stated. "When Male Mabirizi sued the commissioners, he went to the Anti-Corruption Court and filed a case. Colleagues Mathias Mpuuga and Solomon Silwany approached me to be one of their lawyers in that court case."Basalirwa emphasized the ethical dilemma posed by his dual roles.
"I will be one of their lawyers at the hearing of the case. So, I can’t be the lawyer and at the same time sign the petition. That’s like scoring an own goal."
The motion for censure, spearheaded by Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, accuses Mpuuga and parliamentary commissioners Esther Afoyochan, Prossy Mbabazi, and Solomon Silwany of receiving substantial amounts of money under dubious circumstances.
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Mpuuga allegedly received Shs500 million, while the other commissioners each received Shs400 million as ‘service rewards’. These payments, made just a year into their tenures, have raised significant questions about the misuse of public funds and the integrity of parliamentary practices.Ssekikubo has been at the forefront of the push to hold the implicated individuals accountable.
He has emphasized the importance of transparency and integrity within the parliamentary system, despite facing significant opposition.
"We hear there are some people calling MPs, stopping them from signing the censure motion, but we want to tell our MPs not to be intimidated. This is the time to bring sanity to this August House," Ssekikubo urged.
The controversy has put a spotlight on the challenges of addressing corruption within political institutions.
The allegations against Mpuuga and the other commissioners have sparked a broader debate about accountability and ethical conduct among public officials.
Despite the alleged pressure and intimidation faced by some MPs, Ssekikubo remains determined to see the censure motion through. He believes that holding individuals accountable for their actions is essential for restoring public trust in the parliamentary system.
As the censure motion gains momentum, Basalirwa’s stance underscores the complex interplay between legal responsibilities and parliamentary duties. His refusal to sign the petition highlights the ethical considerations that MPs must navigate in their roles. Basalirwa's decision not only reflects his commitment to his legal responsibilities but also raises important questions about how MPs balance their professional and political obligations.
The unfolding events will likely continue to draw public attention, as both the legal proceedings and the parliamentary debate progress.
The outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for the future of parliamentary accountability and the fight against corruption in Uganda.
