A storm is brewing in Uganda’s Parliament as Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) face growing pressure to return Shs100 million each, allegedly handed out as a political inducement. The controversy has forced the Opposition into crisis mode, with leaders demanding accountability and swift action from their own members.
The acting Leader of the Opposition, Mr Muwanga Kivumbi, convened an emergency caucus meeting on Wednesday to confront what he called “a serious ethical breach.” MPs who received the money were instructed to return it immediately, while those who didn’t were asked to sign a resolution condemning the alleged bribes—and publicly clear their names.
“This is tainted money. If you took it, we urge you to find the courage to return it,” Mr Kivumbi told journalists at Parliament. “Any member who fails to sign the resolution will be presumed to have received the money. The list will be made public.”
What began with only four MPs attending quickly grew into a scramble to sign the resolution, after word spread that a public declaration was being circulated. By 10 a.m., 31 MPs had signed; by press time, the number had reached 41.
Kivumbi said credible information suggested that money changed hands between Monday and Tuesday this week. “We believe this was a reward for supporting the controversial Coffee Bill and a way to influence upcoming amendments to the UPDF Act,” he said. “We resolved that all Opposition MPs must declare that they neither received nor intend to receive this money and condemn the practice.”
He said the signed resolution would be submitted to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) for formal investigation.
MPs Speak Out
Opposition MPs took turns expressing their outrage at the saga, with many distancing themselves from the payout.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality, FDC) said the money was likely hidden in one of the recent supplementary budgets hurriedly passed by Parliament.
“Museveni bribing MPs is nothing new,” he said. “In 2005, MPs got Shs5 million to remove term limits. In 2017, it was Shs200 million for the age limit. The worrying thing is that this time, even Opposition MPs may have taken the money.”
Ronald Balimwezo (Nakawa East, NUP), said he hadn’t taken the money and was offended by the reports.
“I’m a born-again Christian—I can’t lie to myself or to the public. It’s disheartening that while police officers haven’t been paid for six months, MPs are getting handouts,” he said.
Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West, NUP), who also signed the resolution, said:
“I didn’t receive any money. If this really happened, it’s shameful. If MPs are struggling financially, support should come through transparent channels.”
Yusuf Nsibambi (Mawokota South, FDC), said his party had launched internal investigations.
“We did not support the Coffee Bill and we will not back any UPDF amendments either. No FDC MP is allowed to take that money,” he said.
Kivumbi said the National Unity Platform (NUP) would take disciplinary action against any of its MPs found guilty and would campaign against them in the 2026 elections.
Background: Where the Money Came From
According to reports, the Shs100 million was allegedly distributed to selected MPs—mainly from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), but also to some Opposition and Independent MPs—between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sources say the funds were secured after MPs lobbied the President through the Government Chief Whip, presenting their request during the January NRM caucus retreat. The money is believed to have been channelled through top parliamentary offices to bail out MPs struggling financially ahead of the 2026 polls.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has since denied Parliament’s involvement, saying leadership only implements what is passed in the official budget. He dismissed the claims as “street talk” not backed by evidence.
List of Opposition MPs Who Signed the Resolution (as of Thursday)
- Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County, NUP)
- Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality, NUP)
- Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality, FDC)
- Ronald Balimwezo (Nakawa East, NUP)
- Yusuf Nsibambi (Mawokota South, FDC)
- Nkunyingi Muwada (Kyadondo East, NUP)
- David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga (Busujju County, NUP)
- Kayemba Solo (Bukomansimbi South, NUP)
- Evas Kanyike (Bukoto East, NUP)
- Dr. Timothy Batuwa (Jinja South West, FDC)
- Denis Sekabira (Katikamu North, NUP)
- Godfrey Saazi (Gomba, NUP)
- Aloysious Mukasa (NUP)
- Wakayima Musoke (NUP)
- Jonathan Odur (Erute South, UPC)
- Luyimbazi Nalukoola (Kawempe North, NUP)
- Allan Mayanja (Nakaseke Central, NUP)
- Hellen Nakimuli (Kalangala, NUP)
- Hasifa Nabukeera (Mukono, NUP)
- Susan Mugabi (Buvuma, NUP)
- Betty Naluyima (Wakiso District, NUP)
- Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West, NUP)
- Abdallah Kiwanuka (Mukono North, NUP)
- Karim Masaba (Industrial Division, Ind.)
- Joyce Bagala (Mityana District, NUP)
- Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale County, NUP)
- Brenda Nabukenya (Luweero District, NUP)
- Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera, DP)
- Joan Namutawe (Masaka, Ind.)
- Teddy Nambooze (Mpigi, NUP)
- Robert Ssekitoleko (Bamunanika, NUP)
- Patrick Nsamba (NUP)
- Hillary Kiyaga (Mawokota North, NUP)
- David Isabirye (Jinja North, FDC)
- Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South, NUP)
- Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East, NUP)
- Charles Matovu (Busiro South, NUP)