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Ssenyonyi vowed to ensure that the Service Award debate is held in Parliament, despite the Speaker's recent decision to block it
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Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has raised concerns over the recent court ruling regarding the controversial UGX 1.7 billion Service Award given to Members of Parliament. Ssenyonyi questioned the identity of Daniel Bwette, the petitioner in the case, pointing out that efforts to locate him for an appeal have been unsuccessful. This, he argued, raises suspicions about how the petition was handled.
Ssenyonyi also dismissed claims that the ruling exonerated the four commissioners involved—Mathias Mpuuga, Solomon Silwany, Esther Afoyachan, and Prossy Akampulirwa—stating that if that were the case, the court would not have recommended the punishment of Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige.
"The decision to punish the Clerk is problematic," Ssenyonyi argued. "The Clerk simply implements decisions made by the Commission. He did not benefit from the Service Award, nor did he make the decision to approve it. Punishing him while those who benefitted are let off is a serious issue."
Ssenyonyi vowed to ensure that the Service Award debate is held in Parliament, despite the Speaker's recent decision to block it. He criticized the Speaker for avoiding the debate, suggesting that it raises questions about what might be hidden.
"I encourage the Speaker not to be afraid of debate. If what was done was right, there should be nothing to hide," he urged. Ssenyonyi also questioned the rationale behind rewarding the Leader of Opposition for "opposing nicely," as was allegedly the case with his predecessor, Mathias Mpuuga.
Ssenyonyi further accused Parliament of blackmailing him and other opposition MPs over their stance on the planned Regional Parliaments, which he described as a waste of taxpayers' money. He argued that funds should instead be allocated to pressing issues like the Shs 18 billion needed by medical interns, who play a crucial role in regional hospitals.
In a separate statement, Ssenyonyi welcomed Canada’s decision to deport Uganda’s High Commissioner, Joy Ruth Acheng, and the expulsion of Henry Mayega, Deputy Ambassador to the UAE. He criticized the government for appointing "political failures and jokers" who, according to him, only export incompetence to the global stage.
Finally, Ssenyonyi revealed plans to take legal action against the government and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) if families affected by the Kiteezi Landfill tragedy are not adequately compensated. He emphasized that the negligence of the authorities involved should not go unaddressed.
Ssenyonyi's remarks underscore his commitment to holding the government accountable and ensuring that public funds are used appropriately, even as he faces challenges within Parliament.
Torch Media Africa
