Resignation of Speaker Among Tops Youth Demands in March to Parliament

As the country prepares for the planned March to Parliament against corruption, the youths organizing have listed seven demands.

Top of the demands is the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among. Over the last couple of years, there have been reports of gross misuse of funds by Parliament. The youth believe that Speaker Among, as the head of Parliament, should be held responsible.

Similarly, the speaker was recently sanctioned by both the United Kingdom and United States governments on allegations of corruption. This was in relation to the misuse of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja subregion. While other ministers involved in that saga, including Agnes Nandutu, Mary Goretti Kitutu, and Amos Lugolobi, were charged by the Anti-Corruption Court, the speaker was never presented in court.

Another demand by the youth is the resignation of four backbench Commissioners of Parliament. These are implicated in the allocation of shs 1.7 billion service award without Parliament’s authorization.The beneficiaries of the service award include Esther Afoyochan (Zombo District Woman – NRM), Prossy Akampulira (Rubanda District Woman – NRM), Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central – NRM), and Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe – NUP).Under the arrangement, the three NRM legislators took home shs 400 million each. The former Leader of the Opposition banked shs 500 million in a one-off personal service award.

Number of Members of Parliament reduced

Similarly, the young people want the number of parliamentarians reduced. Currently, the house accommodates 557 MPs, which the public believes is a burden to the budget.

The youths are also calling for the resignation of MPs involved in any corruption scandals. Currently, five MPs are on remand in Luzira Prison over corruption-related charges. These include Yusuf Mutembuli of Bunyole East and Paul Akamba of Busiki County. Others are Michael Mawanda of Igara East and Cissy Namujju, the Lwengo District Woman MP. Elgon County MP Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu is also facing similar charges.

Additionally, there is a call for a lifestyle audit on the Members of Parliament. Previously, Inspector General of Government Beti Kamya had suggested publicizing these lifestyle audits to check corruption levels in the country. However, President Museveni silenced the suggestion, saying it would make corrupt leaders invest their money abroad.

Another strong demand is the reduction of salaries and allowances of MPs to a paltry shs 3 million. Currently, MPs earn in excess of shs 40m as salary and allowances.

The young people are also demanding the government to respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators. According to them, Ugandans should be allowed to exercise their democratic right to peacefully assemble without blockade.