A group of human rights lawyers led by Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi and Peter Mikidi Walubiri, has filed a thorough petition demanding an extensive probe into the lifestyle and wealth of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Anita Among.
The group asserts that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to preserve accountability and the rule of law, as the petition cites multiple instances of abuses of office and living a lifestyle of extravagance by the Speaker and Parliamentary commissioners.
The group which include; Peter Mukidi Walubiri, Mohmed Mbabazi, Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi, George Musisi, Eron Kiiza, Julius Warugaba, Lillian Drabo, Anthony Odur, Peter Arinaitwe and Phillip Karugaba have called upon the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya and her team to conduct a lifestyle audit on the Speaker of Parliament and her husband, Hon. Moses Magogo who is a beneficiary of taxpayers’ money by Parliament superintended over his wife.
Furthermore, the petitioners assert that a full investigation is necessary to uncover any potential wrongdoing and to ensure transparency and accountability within the highest echelons of government. They emphasize the importance of upholding human rights principles and the rule of law, regardless of one’s position or influence.
The petitioners have highlighted specific incidents and instances where the Speaker’s actions have allegedly contravened legal and ethical standards expected of a public office holder.
“#UgandaParliamentExhibition has revealed some dubious and highly questionable expenditure of Parliament as follows; An increase in the per diem allowance of the Speaker from USD 900 to USD 4,000; Per diem payments for periods that the Speaker was not known to have been out of country; A 30-day leave period for the Speaker paid with per diem; A staggering corporate social responsibility budget for an arm of government whose roles are limited to representation of the people, enactment of laws, and oversight of the executive. The Speaker of Parliament has so far rejected in derogatory terms, all calls on the floor of Parliament, including from the Leader of Opposition, for a response to be made to the allegations of financial abuse and mismanagement in Parliament…..” reads part of the petition.
The group urge that the speaker is scandalous and is not worthy to head an August House therefore they called for; a prompt and full investigation by the IGG of the conduct of the Speaker in the management of the financial affairs of Parliament and the Parliamentary Commission; a lifestyle audit on the Speaker of Parliament and her husband Magogo whom they claim is the immediate of taxpayers.
They also called for an investigation by the IGG into the decisions of the Parliamentary Commission for any conflicts of interest on the part of the Speaker and finally they petitioned for the removal of the Speaker and one third of the MPs.
The human rights attorneys engaged have revealed that they are dedicated to following up on this case and making sure the inquiry is carried out in an unbiased and open manner.
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