Mukono Municipality MP, Hon. Betty Nambooze has signed the motion to censure four Parliamentary commissioners over a controversial Shs1.7 billion service award. This decision was made on Friday after Nambooze conducted thorough research and consulted her constituents.
Nambooze emphasized the importance of taking her time to understand the issue fully, highlighting that her delay in signing was deliberate.
"When I am acting as Member of Parliament, my signature ceases to be my personal property and it becomes the property of the people in Mukono," Nambooze stated. "The fact that I am among the last people to sign isn’t by accident; I gave myself time to consult my constituents, legal brains, and legislative consultants."
Nambooze clarified that her signature is not an indictment of the commissioners but an opportunity for them to defend themselves. She meticulously reviewed documents in the Parliamentary library, including Hansards and reports from the period in question, during which she was abroad for medical treatment.
The motion seeks to censure former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga and three other backbench commissioners, all members of the ruling NRM party. The allegations center on corruption and misuse of their positions regarding the substantial service awards they received. Initiated by legislators led by Theodore Ssekikubo, the motion accuses the four commissioners of receiving unexplained sums of money under the guise of service rewards.
Nambooze's decision underscores her commitment to transparency and accountability, reflecting the voice of the Mukono constituency.
"I gave myself time to review the documents in the Parliamentary library that included the Hansards and reports made during the period in question when I wasn’t in the country; I was sick, so I relied on the documents and my colleagues," she added.
The censure motion, gaining momentum with Nambooze's endorsement, aims to bring the commissioners to account and address the alleged misuse of public funds. The parliamentary debate that follows will determine the next steps in this significant issue of governance and accountability.
Critics argue that the award was undeserved, pointing to ongoing issues within the Parliament, such as allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability. They claim that the timing of the award raises suspicions of ulterior motives, especially amidst debates on crucial national issues.
Defenders of the award, however, maintain that it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the commissioners, highlighting their efforts in legislative reforms and constituency development. They argue that the recognition serves as a morale booster and encourages further commitment to public service.
