Transparency and Accountability at Stake as Speaker Anitah Among Under Attack

Honourable Speaker Anitah Among has been under attack in recent times by some individuals who believe that her office's expenditures need to be reviewed in order to achieve transparency and accountability. 

Among these individuals is the leader of the opposition in parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi. However, it has become increasingly clear that Ssenyonyi has a personal interest in campaigning for the removal of the speaker from office over transparency and integrity concerns. 

Our source has took initiative to showcase how Ssenyonyi’s personal interest and recent controversial events he was involved with towards the Parliament of Uganda.

Firstly, it is unfair to single out the Speaker's office expenditures without reviewing those of other government entities. Such singling out points indicate that the claims being leveled at Hon. Speaker Annet Among are unjustified. 

Meanwhile, the need for transparency and accountability in all governmental institutions and subsidiaries is vital. Thus, we should not view this attack on the speaker's office expenses as a witch hunt to her but a broad issue, which relates to our country's financial accountability.

Moreover, the recent development surrounding Joel Ssenyonyi raises questions about his intentions, credibility, and integrity. 

For instance, he allegedly took about Ugx200m to oil a good report on the investigations of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, which he chaired. The money was said to have come from Uganda Airlines (Ugx100m) and the Civil Aviation Authority (Ugx100m). 

If these claims are true, they indicate that Mr. Ssenyonyi has no moral authority to question other government entities' integrity and transparency.

Additionally, Ssenyonyi's stance regarding the retention of the opposition staff recruited by his predecessor casts shadows on his intentions and integrity. 

During the handover, he promised to retain all the opposition staff in his office, which were initially hired by former leader of opposition Mathias Mpuuga. However, he reneged on his promise by refusing to work with Sadab Kitata and advocating for Ali Mivule's recruitment, a former workmate from NTV. 

This move implies that his words cannot be trusted, casting aspersions not only on him but also on his agenda.

Moreover, Mr. Joel Ssenyonyi appointed the National Unity Platform president's in-law, Brenda, as his Personal Assistant and pays her around 14m per month. 

Though this act may seem justifiable, it begs the question, is his intension for the opposition interests only or for his pocket? Isn't this the same reason he was accused of taking bribes worth Ugx200m to oil a good report on the investigations of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee he chaired?

Therefore, it is clear that Mr. Ssenyonyi has no moral authority to question the Hon. Annet Among's office expenditures when he has shown that his intentions may not be true. An attack on the Speaker's office cannot be a reason for a personal campaign of a former media practitioner with an infamous recent past.

Importantly, a system review of all government entities and communities is essential for transparency and accountability. Therefore, political point-scoring tactics should be left aside, and the focus should be on advocating for reform in our political and economic systems.

Additionally, the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee should ensure that the interest of the nation is put first when tackling corruption issues. The committee should be transparent, and reports should be accessible to all citizens to show that there are no cover-ups.

In conclusion, we should not turn a blind eye to the need for transparency and accountability in all government entities and communities, which is vital for economic development and growth. 

However, we should not make the Hon. Speaker Anitah Among a scapegoat and an attack point for political scoring. The recent events surrounding Joel Ssenyonyi indicate that his personal interests could be driving his campaign for Hon. Speaker's impeachment. 

It is time we advocate for a reform movement that puts national interests first. A transparent system would benefit us all in the long run and move us one step closer to a united and prosperous Uganda.