Ezrah Kashumbusha
KAMPALA, April 15, 2024 | A group of lawyers has formally petitioned the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to prosecute three Commissioners of Parliament for allegedly receiving 1.7 billion Ugandan Shillings in service awards, a move they argue violates sections 9 and 14 of the Leadership Code Act 2022.
The petition, spearheaded by prominent legal minds including Ladsilaus Rwakafuzi, Eron Kiiza, and Anthony Odur, raises concerns over the conduct of Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, Hon. Solomon Silwany, Hon. Prossy Akampurira, and Hon. Esther Afoyochan, who are members of the parliamentary commission.
According to the lawyers, the commissioners purportedly awarded themselves personal-to-holder service awards during a meeting held on May 6, 2022, as revealed during the Uganda Parliament Exhibition. This action, they argue, flagrantly disregards the provisions of the Leadership Code Act and undermines public trust in the integrity of parliamentary processes.
In their petition, the lawyers express apprehension that failure to prosecute these leaders for such egregious violations could perpetuate a perception of selective enforcement of the law, where individuals in positions of power evade accountability while others face scrutiny for lesser offenses.
“We are concerned that the failure to prosecute the above four leaders for such egregious violations of the Leadership Code Act will deepen public skepticism towards the IGG and the tribunal, potentially eroding confidence in the justice system,” the lawyers stated.
They further emphasized the importance of upholding principles of national interest and the common good, urging the tribunal to fulfill its constitutional mandate and deliver justice based on jurisdictional considerations and the promises enshrined in the constitution.
The lawyers underscored the significance of restoring public confidence in the tribunal, emphasizing that the administration of justice should not be hindered by the reluctance of the IGG to pursue cases of alleged malpractice.
Look out for updates on this developing story as it progresses.
