A censure motion targeting four parliamentary backbench commissioners has revealed significant divisions within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. For the past three weeks, Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga) has led the charge, joined by NRM lawmakers Sarah Opendi (Tororo Woman) and Alion Odria (Aringa South), aiming to gather 177 signatures from a possible 529.
The motion accuses the commissioners of irregularly sharing a Shs1.7 billion "service award." The implicated commissioners are Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central), Esther Afoyochan (Zombo Woman), Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi (Rubanda Woman) from the NRM, and Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament from the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua and Asuman Basalirwa, president of the Justice Forum (Jeema) party, have criticized Ssekikubo and his allies, arguing that the motion unfairly targets the commissioners. Obua has instructed NRM lawmakers to halt support for the motion to allow for internal party consultations on its legality.
However, the directive has met with resistance. Several NRM members, including Bashir Ssempa Lubega, Simon Peter Okwalinga Opolot, John Musila, and Kefa Kiwanuka, have defied orders, openly supporting the motion and promising to recruit more backers. Compounding the tension, Paulson Lutamaguzi Ssemakula (Nakaseke County South) alleged that lawmakers were offered Shs25 million to refrain from supporting the censure.
In response to the resistance and alleged bribery, Ssekikubo extended the signature collection period and warned of attempts to derail the motion. He asserted that the "service award" was illegal and involved personal enrichment, not approved by Parliament. Ssekikubo accused opponents of forging parliamentary records to cover up their actions.
Workers' lawmakers, who were expected to champion the motion, have remained silent, prompting Ssekikubo to call them out for their inaction. He declared that on Monday, he would publish the names of those who had signed the motion.
Betty Nambooze (Mukono Municipality), after supporting the motion, clarified that her intention was not to condemn the commissioners but to provide them with a platform to defend themselves in Parliament. She emphasized that her signature represented her constituents' will.
Meanwhile, Yona Musinguzi (Ntungamo Municipality) criticized Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality) for claiming that Parliament had approved the controversial "service awards." Musinguzi argued that if the money had been approved, it was done covertly, without open debate.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi commended opposition members and some NRM lawmakers for supporting the motion. He viewed the motion as an opportunity for Parliament to restore its integrity, urging the implicated commissioners to step down voluntarily or face parliamentary action.
The censure motion continues to stir controversy and highlight the fractures within the NRM, as lawmakers grapple with issues of legality, ethics, and party loyalty.
