Lwemiyaga County MP, Theodore Ssekikubo, is requesting logistical support from Parliament to gather signatures for his censure motion against four Backbench Commissioners accused of misappropriating funds.
Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has called on Parliament to facilitate his efforts to collect signatures for a censure motion against four Backbench Commissioners accused of illegally sharing Shs 1.7 billion in service awards without parliamentary approval.
In a letter dated June 24, Ssekikubo requested logistics, including a vehicle and fuel, to visit MPs in their constituencies while Parliament is adjourned until July 23."As you are aware, we embarked on the collection of signatures to censure the four Backbench Commissioners.
The House being adjourned until late July has made this task challenging as most members have returned to their constituencies,
" Ssekikubo wrote to the Clerk to Parliament. "I look forward to your prompt response to enable us to plan accordingly."
The four commissioners in question—Mathias Mpuuga, Solomon Silwany, Esther Afoyochan, and Prossy Akampulira Mbabazi—are under fire for allegedly misappropriating funds meant for service awards. Ssekikubo's initiative aims to hold these officials accountable, a move he believes is essential for maintaining integrity within Parliament.Ssekikubo expressed frustration at the lack of support from his colleagues, particularly from opposition MPs.
"If you have noted, it is the NRM MPs at the forefront of this, the opposition are wobbling, they are looking through the windows, in the corridors," he said. "They run very fast, they aren’t putting their heads high. But for MPs who came to the strong promise to fight corruption and poor service delivery, this is another call."
His remarks highlight a significant divide within Parliament regarding the fight against corruption. While the ruling NRM party members have shown some support, opposition MPs, according to Ssekikubo, have been less enthusiastic.
"This is another call, send those MPs to do their duty here, they must come to Parliament to discharge the cardinal duty to hold Parliament to account. But they are hiding, they are busy down there, they are in business," he lamented.
Ssekikubo's push for logistical support underscores the practical challenges of mobilizing parliamentary action during an adjournment period. His request aims to ensure that the motion gains the necessary traction to be discussed and voted on once Parliament reconvenes.
The censure motion represents a critical test for Uganda's legislative body, highlighting the ongoing struggle against corruption and the importance of accountability.
"We must stand firm and ensure that those who misuse public funds are held accountable, regardless of their position or affiliation," Ssekikubo stated.
As the July 23 reconvening date approaches, it remains to be seen whether Ssekikubo's efforts will garner the required support. His request for logistical support is a bold step towards ensuring that MPs can be reached and signatures collected, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in Ugandan politics.
