Tayebwa's Deputy Speaker Endorsement Ignites Corruption Debate

Thomas Tayebwa, the incumbent Deputy Speaker, has found his moral standing under intense scrutiny following his endorsement by the ruling NRM party to continue in the role for the 12th Parliament. The endorsement, made by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) in Entebbe, comes shortly after allegations of corruption and illicit wealth accumulation led to the withdrawal of outgoing Speaker Anita Among from the race. While Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth was endorsed for Speaker, Tayebwa’s backing has drawn considerable criticism due to his tenure alongside Among.

Critics argue that Tayebwa, having served as Deputy Speaker throughout the 11th Parliament under Among, cannot be separated from the alleged mismanagement of public resources and expenditures that characterized her leadership. Online discourse and public commentary have pointed to significant budget increases within the Deputy Speaker’s office during this period, including substantial allocations for donations and household provisions, raising questions about financial accountability.

Prominent figures like former Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba have publicly stated that Tayebwa is as culpable as Among, alleging the establishment of a widespread corruption network within government entities. Journalist Agather Atuhaire has also detailed specific instances of alleged financial impropriety involving Tayebwa, suggesting he benefited directly from increased parliamentary allocations and funds.

Despite these accusations, President Yoweri Museveni has framed the NRM’s choices as ideologically driven, emphasizing a focus on national interests over personalities. However, the contrasting public perception of Tayebwa and Oboth-Oboth highlights ongoing concerns about selective accountability in anti-corruption efforts.

The focus now shifts to the formal election of parliamentary presiding officers, where Tayebwa and Oboth-Oboth are expected to win due to the NRM’s majority. Tayebwa has since apologized for the ‘excesses’ of the 11th Parliament, acknowledging the controversies that have emerged.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/tayebwa-endorsement-sparks-corruption-debate