By Stanly Ebele
A section of MPs in Karamoja have denied receiving the Shs100 million bonanza from the president Yoweri Museveni despite reports that the all MPs received the cash.
Margaret Aleper, Kotido District Woman Member of Parliament and Philip Ilukol Lokwang while Napore West legislator, denied the allegations.
Speaking to Etoil A Karamoja, Aleper stated that she only received her salary through normal payment system.
“I have not received any money from the president or any institution except my salary which is paid through normal channels of Parliament”, said Aleper.
She referred out reporter to the President and Speaker of Parliament for further clarification about the controversial cash.
Lokwang sarcastically said he was unaware of the controversial money but would accept.
Meanwhile Faith Nakut, the Woman Member of Parliament for Napak district when contacted declined to comment.
Her decision not to comment, leaves her constituents wondering whether she is part of the legislators who have received the cash or not.
The alleged Shs100 million payment to Members of Parliament, costing tax payers approximately Shs55.7 billion for 557 MPs, has sparked public outrage among civil society activists, and members of the opposition.
According to the opposition, the payment to the MPs lacks transparency andunderminds accountability
Recently President Yoweri Museveni sharply criticized Opposition MPs, led by Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, for their outcry over alleged classified payments of 100 million shillings to lawmakers.
In a fiery address, Museveni dismissed the claims of corruption, framing the funds as critical for national security and countering “enemy schemes” threatening Uganda’s stability.
The debate highlights Uganda’s polarized political landscape, with Museveni leveraging patriotism and foreign interference claims to deflect criticism, while the Opposition positions itself as defenders of ethical governance.
This is not the first time Members of Parliament have been given money, in 2021 MPs were given Shs29 million each as a token of appreciation for lifting the presidential age limit of 75 years.
