Joel  Ssenyonyi questions Dei BioPharma Funding, demands accountability for billions

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has questioned the government’s proposed additional US$434 million for Dei BioPharma, demanding proof of ownership and a value-for-money audit of the Shs723.4 billion already committed to the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

During a parliamentary debate on October 7, 2026, Ssenyonyi questioned why more public funds were being recommended before the government established its ownership stake and the company’s value.

The Presidential Affairs Committee reported that evidence of the government’s stated 9.4% shareholding had not been presented during its assessment. Former Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Monica Musenero said she had copies of the share certificates and would present them to Parliament.

Ssenyonyi also questioned the selective handling of corruption cases, arguing that some suspects are handcuffed over smaller sums while others accused of failing to account for billions appear to escape accountability

Speaking during an interface with the Inspectorate of Government (IG), he called for follow-up prosecutions after arrests, warning that without them, anti-corruption operations risk becoming a media spectacle.

Meanwhile, Kira Municipality MP George Musisi announced that NRM candidate Daniel Kananura had withdrawn his High Court petition challenging Musisi’s election, describing the case as an abuse of court process.

The concerns emerged as the Inspectorate of Government presented its biannual performance report to Parliament, with questions raised about prosecution decisions and accountability in public institutions.