In an address to the nation today, Uganda’s opposition caucus, led by Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi accused Parliament of descending into a “cash-for-loyalty” pit after some MPs allegedly received UGX 100 million bribes to pass the controversial Coffee Bill and support looming amendments to the UPDF Act that would subject civilians to military court authority.
The revelations, which came just days after the vote have sparked political shock across the country raising serious questions about transparency, accountability and the integrity of Uganda’s legislative process.
“Let’s call it what it is legislative bribery!” Kivumbi thundered during the press briefing.
“MPs were paid off to betray the people of Uganda. This isn’t governance; it’s state-sponsored vote buying.”
The explosive allegations come at a time when Parliament is already under scrutiny for over spending.
So far, 31 opposition Members of Parliament have signed the resolution distancing themselves from the alleged Shs100 million payout.
The Caucus adds that any MP who received the money must first return it before signing the declaration.
Meanwhile, the Coffee Bill passed amidst protests from farmers and private sector players grants expansive powers to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) including mandatory registration and licensing for coffee growers.
Opposition warns that the bill risks criminalizing farmers, limiting export freedoms and centralizing control in a way that suffocates innovation and fair trade.
The UPDF Act amendment on the other hand, proposes extending military court jurisdiction to civilians especially in matters of national security, terrorism and sabotage.
Human rights organizations have slammed this move as unconstitutional warning it could be used to silence political dissent and intimidate activists.
According to multiple sources within the opposition, the UGX 100 million allegedly given to each “loyal” MP was discreetly paid under the guise of “facilitation” a code word that many Ugandans now equate with bribery in Parliament.
“MPs who claim they didn’t receive the money should publicly declare their accounts and be audited,” said Sarah Bireete, a prominent governance analyst during a morning show on NTV Uganda. “Let’s separate patriots from profiteers.”
Civil society groups have called for a parliamentary inquiry, full disclosure of payments and immediate prosecution of any lawmaker found to have engaged in unethical practices.
Surprisingly, both Speaker Anita Among has remained silent on the allegations, triggering accusations of complicity or at best, willful neglect.
The Executive’s role is also under a microscope, as opposition like Kivumbi allege that the cash disbursements were orchestrated by State House operatives to ensure loyalty in a tense legislative season.
“The head of the Executive must explain,” Kivumbi insisted. “If the President didn’t sanction this, he must launch a formal investigation today. If he did… then Uganda’s democracy is being auctioned right before our eyes.”
The opposition has vowed to boycott all House proceedings until there is a transparent investigation. Meanwhile, calls for the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the Auditor General to intervene are growing louder by the hour.
