KAMPALA, Uganda — Seventy-two of 109 opposition Members of Parliament have signed a resolution rejecting what they call a “corrupt and secretive” Shs100 million payout allegedly sourced from a classified State House budget.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi unveiled the declaration, framing it as a stand for transparency and accountability in Uganda’s governance.
“Signing this document is like taking an oath of allegiance,” Ssenyonyi said. “It is a public commitment by these members to disassociate themselves from the Shs100 million saga. If any of them signed yet took the money, the truth will catch up with them.”
The undisclosed cash disbursement has drawn criticism from civil society and the public, who view it as a misuse of taxpayer funds. Ssenyonyi questioned the integrity of classified budget expenditures and called for greater openness.
He challenged those behind the payout to expose any opposition MPs who accepted the funds while publicly denouncing them. Ssenyonyi suggested that the refusal of some opposition lawmakers to sign the resolution could indicate fear of implication.
“There should never be justification for corruption,” Ssenyonyi said. “Theft is theft, no matter the purpose. And this money is a form of corruption; that’s why it’s being distributed in secrecy.”
He dismissed any claims that the funds were for community development, arguing that the covert nature of the disbursement undermines such justifications.
The controversy follows a 2021 incident in which MPs received Shs200 million in car grants during a COVID-19 lockdown, sparking similar criticism over transparency.
President Yoweri Museveni on Friday defended the recent payout, stating the funds were intended to “promote activities that help in defeating enemy schemes in Uganda.” He insisted the money was not a handout but support for internal operations necessary for national security. Museveni also accused opposition politicians and some media outlets of being influenced by foreign interests.
Despite the president’s defense, opposition MPs are demanding full disclosure from Parliament and the Ministry of Finance regarding the origin and purpose of the Shs100 million. They warned that continued secrecy would deepen mistrust in government institutions.
The opposition’s rejection of the payout has intensified national debates about corruption, political patronage, and the opaque use of classified budgets. The united stance of the 72 MPs marks a significant point in Uganda’s push for government transparency.
