The Parliamentary Censure motion: A dual faced move.

In the dramatic turn of Uganda’s political events, Lwemiyaga county member of parliament-Theodore Ssekikubo slaps us with yet another unprecedented mark of accountable and transparent politics- the Parliamentary Commissioners censure motion. The censure motion of the four commissioners has sent down ripples in the back of many political enthusiasts and diehards. The question behind this move stands: Is the move genuinely against corruption and a call to transparency and accountability or a sheer work of hypocrisy or else a calculated move to silence certain vocal honourables?

At the heart of this motion is the allegation that four legislators, that is, Mathias Mpuuga, Dan Kimosho, Esther Afoyochan, and Solomon Silwany shared a lump sum of shs. 1.7 billion following an illegal self-allocation behind the curtains. This was one of the many dark happenings in parliament that became known after the famous online parliamentary exhibition spearheaded by a renowned cartoonist and columnist, Jim Spire Ssentongo.

The public appreciates the censure move as restoration of our former glory. The nostalgia we have for integral and accountable leadership is seemingly coming to an end. We are to feel it physically in this present age.

Whereas this censure motion is seemingly a move of cleansing the stained image of parliament in the face of the electorate, many questions and mysteries surrounding this move continue to unfold given the way different legislators have reacted to it with mixed feelings coupled with the various precedent happenings akin to this that have been left scot-free.

To begin with, this motion coming in after the social media transparency campaign is indicative of the parliamentarians’ naivety of what happens in parliament. The biggest chances are that if the exhibition had not occurred, we would have remained in the dark. It is an indicator that many legislators in the august house are green of what happens in the chambers. Social media cannot inform you of the happenings in your workplace unless you are part-timer there.

The irony in this censure motion is matchless- MPs eating their own over a share yet, some legislators have engaged in similar or even graver scandals before. The legislators’ house has a long record of such dirty linen. Another point to note, the reproaching side’s consistent use of the phrase “abuse of office” as a supporting premise for the move to impeach their own is ironic. Such actions are “usual business” in Uganda’s politics, especially in the parliament. I have the conviction that numerous happenings of such a kind are still being unveiled. There’s a possibility of more being revealed to the disadvantage of the morally upright disciplining party. It is just a matter of time.

The time lag between the revelation of this financial scandal and the time of taking action is unusual. Couldn’t this be a way of distracting us from the contentious issues? It is part of us to have trends that dislodge our focus when handling pertinent matters. Considering the impunity with which former cases of such a kind have been handled and the strength with which this case is dealt, we cannot fail to notice a thing unusual, either promising a change for betterment or something hidden.

We cannot overlook the possibility of this motion being dark-oriented. Despite the allegation that the move is aimed at transparency and accountability, this could be a revelation of an underground reticent vendetta between certain parties, consequently a way of discrediting and silencing the seemingly political giants. Akin to this, there is the possibility of a power struggle that we have not been noticing. This could be the right avenue for seeing its effects. Have you considered the benefits and delicacies attached to the office of the parliamentary commissioners? Don’t you think many are contending for the office?

The impeaching action is itself good and commendable. However, the spirit with which the move is taken is seemingly not genuine. There is need to handle matters on basis of their intrinsic goodness. This is what is still lacking in the biggest number of our leaders. Every parliamentarian signing in favour of this motion ought to do so in favour of the inherent goodness of the cause, not driven by how their electorate will decide in the forthcoming elections on basis of their decision.

At this point, the censuring side feels at the climax of its moral standard. However, may it be extra careful in their moral triumph. The Ugandan political winds blow as they will. As a fact, even morally strong trees can bend to the political wind. Tables can turn. Trust me, in time to come, their actions too will come to scrutiny, necessitating the same calls for auditing. The precedence being set is good and commendable. We pray that they do not fall prey to the effects of their standing morality.

A humble appeal to our dear leaders. Sobriety and vigilance should not elude when dealing with public funds. Every penny must be accounted for. This step to combat corruption and restore sanity is highly appreciated, especially as it checks leaders we hold in high esteem. It will also sound better when the high tables are shaken, probably that will set an example for the small fish as they learn from their fellow brethren. That way, lessons will resonate from the grand chambers to the smallest country units, consequently instilling transparency and responsibility in our beloved Pearl of Africa.