President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned incoming legislators against engaging in corruption as the country prepares for the 12th Parliament set to commence in May.
Speaking at the opening of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute, Museveni urged leaders to uphold integrity and restore public trust.
“You as leaders, if you can clean as new brooms, please do not involve yourselves in corruption. I do not tolerate corruption,” he said.
According to the Inspectorate of Government, Uganda loses an estimated Shs10 trillion annually through corruption-related practices, affecting service delivery, infrastructure development, and investment.
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 ranks Uganda 148th out of 180 countries, with a score of 25, highlighting persistent governance challenges.
Mr Museveni warned that stronger measures could be taken if corruption persists. “If it becomes necessary to have another war, we shall have another war,” he said.
His remarks, however, drew concern from Yorke Alion Odria, who questioned the pace of action against alleged corruption within government institutions.
“You made it clear last year that there is corruption in the Ministry of Finance and Parliament. Since you have evidence, what action has been taken? When will those involved be arrested?” Mr Odria asked.
The President responded by citing recent arrests of legislators, including Cissy Namujju, Paul Akamba, and Yusuf Mutembuli, who were previously detained at Luzira Prison over corruption allegations.
“They were arrested and later repented. Once you repent, there is forgiveness,” Mr Museveni said.
Earlier this year, however, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, led by Lino Anguzu, discontinued proceedings against the three lawmakers.
The MPs had been accused of soliciting a bribe from the Executive Director of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Mariam Wangadya, in exchange for influencing the commission’s 2024/25 budget.
Prosecution alleged that the legislators demanded 20 percent of the proposed budget increment during a meeting at Hotel Africana in May 2024.
