Over the weekend, Speaker Anita Among and Rakai Woman MP Juliet Kinyamatama attended an event in Lwengo district that has sparked widespread controversy. The event, which was attended by several other MPs, saw Speaker Among donate Shs50million to the Foundation of Muhammad Ssentayi, an aspiring MP for Bukoto West.
However, it was the comments made by Speaker Among and MP Kinyamatama that have drawn sharp criticism. Speaker Among told the crowd that having a leader who “steals and shares with them” is better than one who doesn’t. She was referring to the embattled Woman MP for Lwengo, Cissy Namujju, who is currently in Luzira prison over corruption-related charges.
MP Kinyamatama echoed similar sentiments, saying that if Namujju “dipped her hands somewhere”, she has been “eating with the people of Lwengo”. The comments have been met with stiff condemnation, with the Uganda Law Society (ULS) urging the Speaker and MP Kinyamatama to retract their statements, which “glorify corruption” and “hamper efforts to curb the vice”.
The event has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling out the MPs for their remarks. The hashtags #TextTheThief and #StealFromUgandansAndShareWithUgandans (SUSU) have been trending, with many expressing their disappointment and anger at the MPs’ comments.
The incident has also raised questions about the government’s commitment to fighting corruption, with many calling for stronger action against corrupt officials. The event has sparked a national conversation about corruption and accountability, with many demanding more from their leaders.
