MPs bribed to save government agencies

According to multiple sources interviewed by The Observer, members of parliament (MPs) have allegedly received bribes ranging from Shs 500,000 to Shs 2 million to advocate for the retention of certain agencies that the government had proposed to return to their mother ministries.

These agencies, facing the prospect of being phased out, have been actively lobbying MPs to support their continued existence. The financial incentives reportedly come from influential figures within both the government and parliament, aiming to sway MPs in favor of retaining these agencies.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, MPs revealed that they had been approached with offers of money to back the preservation of agencies such as NITA-U. One MP from Eastern Uganda disclosed, “I was given US$500 [ Shs 1.9m] to support the retention of NITA-U, and I know many of my colleagues were given the same. I really don’t know why they wanted that organization to stay, but you would see the energy invested in the project as if it was personal.”

These clandestine payments underscore the lengths to which certain entities are willing to go to influence legislative decisions in their favor. Another MP representing a constituency in Buganda also acknowledged receiving US$500 for the same purpose.

“It’s been quite a week here at parliament. You get money to save an agency you’ve never even heard of. It’s crazy, but that’s the reality,” the MP commented.

Furthermore, another MP, who confirmed receiving funds to support the retention of certain agencies, highlighted that many of these agencies, not facing phase-out, have been engaged in a lobbying campaign since President Museveni initially proposed the merger of government agencies. This initiative aimed to eliminate role duplication and reduce the cost of public administration.

“They enlisted MPs to canvass support for them. Here in parliament, nothing comes without a cost. It’s rare for MPs to endorse a position without financial incentive. So, these agencies have been providing funds either through direct bribes or by organizing formal meetings and workshops with MPs, where they explain their work. At the end of such events, MPs receive substantial transport refunds. This has been ongoing for over a year,” revealed a female MP from Eastern Uganda.

Parliament has so far voted to preserve several entities, including the Coffee Development Authority, NAADS, NITA-U, Dairy Development Authority, Cotton Development Authority and the National Forestry Authority. Additionally, MPs have voted to merge the Export Promotion Board and Uganda Zones Free Authority, along with merging the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Furthermore, they have decided on the integration of the Nation Youth Council, National Council for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities, Elders Council, National Children’s Council, and National Women’s Council.

Two senior officials from separate agencies, one of which has been spared while the fate of the other remains uncertain, informed this newspaper that MPs’ decisions regarding these agencies are influenced more by the amount of money these agencies pay rather than their actual relevance.

“Although we have indeed accomplished significant work, the real influencing factor was the payments we made to them. MPs have intermediaries who negotiate on behalf of the group. Essentially, we are being extorted by MPs,” one official disclosed.

The official from another agency that was retained added, “Before I entered government, I used to hear these stories and somewhat dismissed them. However, I can now attest that an MP can demand nearly a quarter of your budget. As the accounting officer, you are then compelled to fabricate activities to account for the payments made to these MPs.”

These testimonies corroborate the recent complaint by the minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa, who expressed concerns that the decision to retain certain agencies was influenced by intense lobbying efforts by these agencies rather than their actual relevance. However,

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among swiftly refuted Mukasa’s claims, denying allegations that MPs were bribed to preserve specific agencies.

“Our conscience is clear; nobody has been bribed. Whatever actions we undertake here are on behalf of our constituents. If people want to engage in blackmail or spread rumours about bribery, that’s their business. Our focus is on fulfilling our duties,” Among asserted.

“It is the duty of MPs to legislate. They require no bribery to fulfill their responsibilities. Anyone with evidence of bribery should take legal action. Repeatedly making allegations of bribery is often done by individuals who believe everything revolves around them. Many have been deceived by such scandalous claims, suggesting there’s excessive money in parliament. Some have even risked their assets to join parliament in hopes of gaining wealth, only to leave poorer than when they entered,” Chris Obore, the director of Communication at parliament said.

Reports of bribing MPs to carry out their duties have been rampant in recent years. While paying tribute to former Dokolo Woman MP, Cecilia Ogwal, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni acknowledged reports that some MPs were soliciting bribes from entities appearing before them.

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