MP Ssemujju Nganda Decries Monetization of Ugandan Politics

Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has decried the monetization of politics in Uganda.

While appearing on NBS TV’s Frontline show, Ssemujju revealed that an incumbent MP parts with at least shs 500 million to retain his seat. Ssemujju blames this on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. According to the former FDC spokesperson, the president has intentionally engineered this predicament.

Additionally, he cited the belief by members of the public that Parliament is a platform to do business. This business is in the form of access to ministries and power to influence the national budget.

Currently, three MPs are on remand in Luzira Prison for corruption charges in regards to the national budget. These are Cissy Namujju, Yusuf Mutembuli, and Paul Akamba. Hon. Mutembuli and Akamba represent Bunyole East and Busiki County, respectively, whereas Namujju is the Lwengo District Women Representative.

According to their charge sheet, the MPs allegedly solicited from Ms. Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, a cut from the entity’s budget on May 13, 2024. Under this understanding, the MPs would pocket 20% of an enhanced Human Rights Commission budget.

According to Ssemujju, such precedents create an impression to the public that there’s money at Parliament. Ssemujju cited Ankole and Kigezi regions as the most affected areas.

“In Ankole and Kigezi, people are spending more in elections than anywhere else. There is a colleague who told me he won’t participate in an election again and that you need UGX 600 million just to think about an election.” – Hon. Ibrahim Nganda.

Minister of ICT Chris Baryomunsi acknowledged Ssemujju’s sentiments but noted that it’s not always the case. Baryomunsi, who represents Kikinzi County in Kigezi, said that voters always choose based on capabilities.

“The issue of monetization of politics came in and it is what we intensively discussed. We are all seeing the increased monetization of politics and as NRM, we are worried.” – Chris Baryomunsi.

City Lawyer George Musisi also called for the government to get interested in curbing the commercialization of politics.