Mbarara, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Anita Among, has condemned the “self-seekers” behind the recent “March to Parliament” protests and firmly stated that she will not resign as some have demanded.
During a thanksgiving event for Mzee Daudi Bangirana, the father of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, held at Rwakitandara Playground in Bitereko Sub County, Ms. Among criticized the efforts to discredit Parliament through negative political narratives.
She clarified that Members of Parliament (MPs) are not responsible for financial management and dismissed allegations of corruption within the institution. Ms. Among suggested that the protests against Parliament might be linked to its adherence to traditional family values and its stance on homosexuality.
“Saying Anita must resign, resign and go where? These MPs aren’t accounting officers, we don’t account, the stealing doesn’t start from Parliament. Let us not demonize Parliament,” she said.
She argued that the protests were rooted in a failure to uphold these values, stating that, “When you look at the bible it says Adam was given to Eve and not Eve to Eve or Adam was not given to Adam so that’s why we are proud as parliament and when you see the demonstrations that are in town, they are demonstrating because they have failed and don’t want us to respect our values and as Ugandans.”
She also announced her intention to stay in office, revealing that she has another five-year term before planning to pass the Speakership to Tayebwa for the 2031-2036 term.
During the same event, President Museveni warned politicians against meddling in the work of civil servants, emphasizing that the battle against corruption should be handled by technical experts rather than politicians.
He stated, “Civil servants you should not allow Politicians to interfere with your work, you should be very strict, don’t allow anybody to mislead you, because it is you who will be accountable.”
The President’s comments were in response to accusations made by Mitooma District Chairperson Benon Karyeija, who had criticized civil servants, including Chief Administrative Officers, Permanent Secretaries, Sub County Chiefs, Procurement Officers, and Criminal Investigating Officers, for alleged corruption and collusion with Human Resource Officers in local government.
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In his homily, Archbishop Lambert Beinomugisha of the Archdiocese of Mbarara urged leaders to embrace humility and unity as crucial qualities for fostering community development.
He also praised Deputy Speaker Tayebwa for the renovation of St. Karoli Lwanga Kigarama Catholic Parish in Bitereko Sub County, a project valued at Sh2.7 billion. The renovation was dedicated to his grandmother, Julita Kaijarubi Tirungyerwa, who raised him from the age of six and instilled in him strong religious values.
