In a strategic move to ensure the impeachment motion against four Parliament Commissioners reaches the floor, Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has announced an indefinite extension of the signature collection deadline, citing the need for more support from legislators.
The effort to impeach four Commissioners of Parliament has entered a critical phase, as Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo and his colleagues have decided to extend the deadline for gathering the necessary signatures.
Addressing the media at Parliament on Tuesday, Ssekikubo revealed that they are close to reaching the required number of signatures, with only eight more needed.
"The timeline is now open-ended," Ssekikubo stated. "We will keep the desk running until we secure the signatures needed to bring this motion to the floor of Parliament."
addressing alleged misconduct and corruption among the Commissioners, has garnered significant attention. MPs like Charles Tebandeke of Bbaale, Yovan Ariko of Vura County, and Mary Begumisa of Ssembalule have already signed the motion, demonstrating a growing support base.
However, the group is concerned about the reluctance of some historically vocal legislators and members of the ethics and integrity forum to endorse the motion.
"We have a number of MPs who applied to chair sectoral committees, but some are going to be disappointed when not chosen, and we hope a big number will append their signatures after," said Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya, indicating a potential surge in support once committee leadership decisions are finalized.
Ssekikubo and his allies expressed disappointment with legislators who have been outspoken against corruption but are hesitant to support the impeachment motion.
"These MPs have been vocal on issues of fighting corruption on the floor of Parliament and in the media, but the time for action has come. All of them are shying away, giving lame excuses," Ssekikubo remarked. "They have exposed themselves as being more interested in personal enrichment than in fighting for the people they represent," Olanya added.
The campaigners have identified several districts, including Mbarara, Ibanda, Sheema, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Kazo, Kiruhura, Rwampara, Rubanda, Buliisa, Kibale, Kaliro, Lamwo, Kikuube, Lwengo, Karenga, and Kibale, where no MPs have signed the motion.
This lack of support from these areas has raised questions about the commitment of their representatives to addressing corruption
The timing of the motion coincides with the recent postponement of selecting chairpersons and deputy chairpersons for parliamentary sectoral committees. This delay, attributed to the need for security vetting, has added a layer of complexity to the political dynamics within Parliament.
"We are privy to reports that some legislators are waiting to see if they will be chosen for committee leadership before they sign the motion," Ssekikubo said.
As the drive to impeach the Commissioners continues, the spotlight remains on the MPs' commitment to accountability and transparency
