By Tempers flared on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday afternoon with various opposition legislators demanding answers regarding media reports alleging that each Member of Parliament had received a Shs100 million “Easter token” from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Butambala County MP and acting Leader of Opposition (LoP) Muwanga Kivumbi led the front challenging the day’s presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, to provide an official clarification on the controversial reports, which have sparked public outrage over alleged executive influence over Parliament.
“As head of this institution, the Speaker owes the country an explanation,” Kivumbi asserted, emphasizing that such revelations undermine the integrity of the legislature and fuel public mistrust in MPs’ independence.
However, Tayebwa brushed off the claims, describing them as unfounded “street talk” unworthy of parliamentary attention.
“I am also an MP, and I haven’t received any Shs100 million. No one has called me to tell me to go pick it either. Perhaps someone picked it and is busy chewing it on my behalf,” Tayebwa remarked
He further stated that he was unwilling to give legitimacy to media gossip unless backed by concrete evidence. He cautioned MPs against demonizing Parliament in pursuit of public sympathy, stating that such actions ultimately tarnish the very institution they serve.
Additionally, Government Chief Whip (GCW) Hamson Obua who had reportedly been named in the media as one of the officials facilitating the alleged payouts redirected the challenge back to Kivumbi, asking him to detail how much he had received and from whom.
“Every MP is lawfully entitled to receive remuneration through the official parliamentary channels, regardless of party affiliation,” Obua said. He maintained that any payments must follow due process and should not be politicized.
Tayebwa advised that MPs with concerns over such serious allegations should channel them formally to the Speaker, who could appoint a committee of “eminent legislators” to investigate. “That would be a more responsible approach than turning the media into a trial chamber,” he said.
Yesterday afternoon the leader of opposition Joel Ssenyonyi who is currently away on official party duties took to his social media and claimed that Nrm MPs and a few counterparts in the opposition were being reward with 100 million for their role in the passing of the controversial coffee and also to persuade them to back the amendment of the anticipated UPDF Act.
