No Caucus Meeting for Arrested MPs
The Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, has defended the National Resistance Movement (NRM), emphasizing that the party will not convene a caucus meeting to discuss the recent arrests of its MPs on corruption charges.
Obua highlighted the NRM’s consistent approach to handling internal corruption issues.
Upholding Legal Principles
At a press briefing held at Parliament last week, Obua addressed the media’s inquiries about the NRM’s position on the corruption allegations against its members. He asserted,
“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.”
Notable Arrests and Future Implications
Obua mentioned 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), and suggested that more arrests could follow.
He stated, “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.”
NRM’s Anti-Corruption Track Record
In response to public opinion that the NRM shields corrupt individuals, Obua pointed out that the Shs164Bn Cooperatives funds scandal was uncovered by Parliament’s Trade Committee, led by NRM MPs.
He emphasized that the resources in question were allocated by previous Parliaments and that the 11th Parliament’s investigation spurred further probes by government agencies due to criminal findings.
Internal Disagreements and Processes
However, Obua’s assertions about the NRM’s anti-corruption efforts were called into question by his remarks regarding Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga County) and other MPs attempting to censure four Commissioners accused of illicitly awarding themselves Shs1.7Bn.
He ridiculed their struggle to gather the necessary signatures over seven weeks, casting doubt on the feasibility of their motion under tighter deadlines.
Call for Respecting Internal Party Procedures
Obua urged NRM members to respect the party’s internal processes, noting that members could request a meeting in writing if necessary.
“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.
