In a dramatic turn of events, opposition Members of Parliament who recently received a Shs100 million cash bonanza have now signed a commitment document vowing not to accept the controversial funds.
On Thursday morning, the Opposition lawmakers, led by the Acting Leader of Opposition Muwanga Kivumbi, launched the signing of a commitment list in which they pledged to reject the so-called “evil money” reportedly given to them by the President.
This move follows widespread outrage and condemnation over the funds, which have sparked significant controversy.
However, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who is currently out of the country, warned that MPs who have already taken the money would eventually face consequences.
“The commitment to sign is the first step we are taking, but for those who have already picked the money, it shall eventually catch up with them,” Ssenyonyi said.
The payout, which reportedly involved 529 MPs, has raised questions about the source and legitimacy of the funds.
Several Members of Parliament from opposition parties, including the Democratic Party (DP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Justice Forum (JEEMA), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and the National Unity Platform (NUP), as well as independent opposition-leaning MPs, are believed to have accepted the money.
Ssenyonyi confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, and those found to have accepted the money will face consequences.
“We are actively gathering information on the matter, and we will ensure that those who accepted the funds are held accountable,” he added.
The situation echoes a similar incident last year, when MPs received Shs 40 million each, which also sparked controversy and led NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi to demand that his party’s MPs return the funds.
The opposition has continued to push for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds, and the recent developments have only added fuel to the fire of public outcry.
As investigations continue, the debate over the use of taxpayer money and its distribution among lawmakers is far from over.
