MPs welcome crackdown on corruption, urge Govt to widen scope

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A section of lawmakers has welcomed the Government’s latest crackdown on corruption, but insisted that the operation needs to be broadened.

It should be noted that Security agencies have, over the past four days, been investigating outgoing Speaker Anita Annet Among over graft-related allegations.

The operations, which began last Saturday, have seen security personnel seal off Among's private residences in Kampala and Wakiso district's from where they impounded several of her posh cars and recovered cash in billions of shillings. 

Then on Tuesday morning, the operation was expanded to the fifth floor of Parliament’s East Wing, which houses the Speaker’s chambers and a range of offices belonging to parliamentary commissioners.

MPs speak out

Speaking to New Vision on Tuesday, Kilak North Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Akol, who was seen as being among legislators close to Among, said he sees no problem with the investigations.

“As a Member of Parliament who has been in the 11th and now 12th Parliament, I think everything they are doing is okay. What we are waiting for is what will come out of it. At the right time, we will know who is in the wrong. If there is an issue of corruption, nobody in Uganda condones corruption because it affects service delivery in the country,” said the National Resistance Movement legislator.

Akola added, “Anything concerning the fight against corruption is okay, whether it is selective or not; it doesn’t matter. So long as the fight against corruption will ensure that we provide services to the country, that is all. It must start from somewhere and it must stop there."

On his part, outgoing Mityana South MP Richard Lumu acknowledged the latest efforts by security agencies to fight graft.

“So, if they are starting a crackdown on corruption, then let them be serious. If they are saying they are starting a crackdown on corruption, then, seriousness must be shown not on one single person because there are several people who have been involved in corruption. There are those still engaging in it but are comfortably seated in their positions. So, if they have started on it, I am happy. But I want to see seriousness and the claws going into those where they cannot reach. The talons actually should extend there,” Lumu contended.

However, for Bukoto Central MP Richard Ssebamala (Democratic Party), the crackdown on the August House was long overdue. While appearing on Akabinkano talk show on Bukedde TV, Ssebamala said he had long pointed out that the current leadership of parliament was not transparent.