Obua justifies position on MPs accused of corruption

The Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, defended the National Resistance Movement (NRM), stating that the party will not convene a caucus meeting to discuss the MPs arrested on corruption charges, and highlighting the NRM’s strong track record in handling internal corruption issues.

During a press briefing at Parliament last week, Obua addressed journalists’ questions regarding the NRM’s stance on the corruption accusations against its MPs.

He stated, “There is a presumption of innocence. They were arrested, detained, and formally charged. The case is already in court. The NRM cannot meet to discuss a case that is in court. That is against the doctrine of separation of powers and constitutionalism. We respect the rule of law, the will of the people, and the judiciary.”

Obua referenced the arrests of MPs Paul Akamba (Busiki County), Cissy Namujju (Lwengo DWR), Ignatius Mudimi (Elgon County), Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East), and Michael Mawanda (Igara East), noting that more arrests may follow. “You have seen this before, you are seeing it now, and you are yet to see more. The NRM has a record of sending many people to Luzira on corruption-related charges,” he said.

Contrary to public opinion that the NRM shields individuals involved in corruption, Obua highlighted that the Shs164Bn Cooperatives funds scandal was exposed by Parliament’s Trade Committee, led by NRM MPs. He noted that the resources involved were appropriated by previous Parliaments, and the 11th Parliament’s investigation prompted further investigation by government organs due to criminal findings.

However, Obua’s claims about the NRM’s anti-corruption efforts were undermined by his remarks about Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga County) and other MPs attempting to censure four Commissioners accused of illegally allocating themselves Shs1.7Bn as a Service Award. He mocked their struggle to collect the required signatures over seven weeks, questioning the viability of their motion under stricter time constraints.

Obua appealed to NRM members to respect the party’s internal processes, noting that members can request a meeting in writing if needed. “If you have a challenge, even when the Chairman of the NRM caucus isn’t summoning a meeting, the members are under obligation to request for that meeting in writing, signed by one third. Did this happen? The answer is an emphatic No. So that is where we disagree,” he concluded.