A section of members of Parliament led by Theodore Ssekikubo, the Rwemiyaga County Member of Parliament (MP), have called for the immediate removal of four members of the Parliamentary Commission over their alleged involvement in a secret service award scheme.

During a press briefing at Parliament on May 21, 2024, Ssekikubo named Esther Afoyochan (Zombo District Women Representative), Prossy Akampulira (Rubanda District Women Representative), Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central), and Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe) as the individuals implicated in the scheme.

He accused the four MPs of misusing their positions by awarding themselves a monthly salary of UGX 23 million on top of their regular parliamentary salaries without seeking approval from the August House.

Ssekikubo further alleged that the proposal for the service award was never presented to Parliament for discussion and was instead kept confidential.

“This cannot be left unchallenged,” Ssekikubo said.

He further emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying that their conduct affronts the dignity of Parliament and degrades public trust and confidence in this institution.

“The Rules of Procedure of Parliament, the Constitution, and the Administration of the Parliament Act as legal grounds for their removal’’ Ssekikubo said.

He argued that their actions constitute “misbehavior” and “misconduct,” warranting their dismissal from the Parliamentary Commission.

The Rwemiyaga County MP further criticized the commissioners for failing to uphold Ugandan law by establishing an unrecognized service award scheme.

He compared the situation to the controversial “oil handshake” incident exposed in the 10th Parliament, highlighting a pattern of undocumented and potentially irregular financial practices.

Ssekikubo’s call for the removal of the four MPs is likely to spark debate and scrutiny within Parliament.