Former Member of Parliament and opposition leader, Professor Morris Ogenga Latigo, has strongly criticized Speaker Annet Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, asserting they are unfit for their roles. Latigo, who also served at the Pan-African Parliament, argues that under Among and Tayebwa, the Ugandan Parliament has been downgraded to operate like a local district council.
Latigo expressed his dismay, stating, "Our parliament functions like a district council. Individuals who lack the necessary qualifications and experience occupy these positions. I believe neither the current speaker nor the deputy deserves their roles. It's even worse to hear that MPs receive money to pass laws, which is a greater corruption than misusing project funds."
Reflecting on his time in Parliament, Latigo lamented the loss of national service ethos, where serving in Parliament was considered a duty to the nation. He voiced his frustration over the reported cases of corruption, abuse of office, and extortion involving Parliament. He highlighted allegations that Among and Tayebwa have personally benefited from public funds for their private enterprises. Notably, recent reports indicated that funds were allocated to procure generators for their private residences following the solicitor general's clearance.
Latigo called for a reduction in the size of Parliament due to the current corruption levels, excessive number of MPs, and their extravagant expenses. He also criticized voters for electing politicians who prioritize money over competence. "By electing individuals who give out money or attend funerals rather than those who can effectively represent you, you are sabotaging your own interests," Latigo said. "The result is poor infrastructure, deteriorating schools, and bad roads. Voters need to understand that they are the victims and the cause of these issues. Change is necessary to avoid suffering."
In his remarks, Latigo praised President Museveni for addressing corruption in Parliament and government agencies, stating that consistent efforts by the president could eradicate corruption. "If the president takes decisive action, arrests corrupt MPs, jails them, and confiscates their properties, we will see a significant change," Latigo stated. "The president should stick to policies and avoid making modifications that enable corruption."
Latigo urged the president to let systems work independently, warning that the president's legacy is at stake. "You are in the later stages of your presidency. Use this time to clean the systems and retire peacefully," he advised.
Recently, President Museveni announced having evidence of corruption in Parliament and ministries, promising to take action against those implicated. He acknowledged the existence of a corrupt network between the Ministry of Finance and Parliament and pledged to fight this corruption decisively.
Former Lands Minister Daniel Omara Atubo also weighed in on the issue via social media, questioning the roots of pervasive corruption in Uganda. "Corruption is so entrenched in Uganda that it affects everyone, including cultural and religious leaders. There is no integrity, no shame, no conscience. Money rules everything. Why is this the case? Who is responsible for this corruption?" Atubo wondered.
The growing discourse around corruption and leadership in Uganda's Parliament underscores the need for significant reforms and accountability to restore public trust and integrity in the nation's governance.
