Hon. Twalla Fadil Joins Efforts to Censure Parliamentary Commissioners Over Shs1.7 Billion Service Award
By John Kusolo
Kampala, Uganda – The campaign to censure four backbench parliamentary commissioners has gained significant momentum as Twalla Fadil, the legislator from Tingey County and former Youth Chairperson for Kapchorwa District, added his signature to the growing list of MPs supporting the motion. This action underscores the escalating discontent within the Ugandan Parliament regarding the Shs1.7 billion "service award" received by the commissioners, which many lawmakers and citizens alike view as an act of selfishness and financial impropriety.
Twalla Fadil's Stand
Twalla Fadil has been a vocal critic of the service award, condemning it as a blatant act of selfishness that underscores a disconnect between the parliamentary commissioners and the people they are supposed to serve. Fadil's decision to append his signature to the censure motion aligns with his long-standing advocacy for integrity and accountability in public service. He emphasizes that public officials must prioritize the welfare of the citizens over personal financial gains, especially during times of economic strain.
Fadil stated, "The acceptance of such a substantial service award by the backbench commissioners is not only unjustifiable but also a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability in our Parliament. This act of selfishness cannot go unchecked, and it is our duty as representatives of the people to ensure that public funds are used appropriately."
Building Momentum
The move to censure the commissioners, led by Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo, has seen significant progress in the past week. Ssekikubo and his colleagues have been diligently working to collect the necessary signatures to advance the motion. To succeed, they need the support of at least 177 MPs, a threshold that signifies substantial backing within the legislative body.
As of now, over 100 MPs have appended their signatures to the motion, reflecting a broad-based support that transcends party lines and personal affiliations. This growing coalition of lawmakers is united by a common goal: to hold the backbench commissioners accountable and to send a clear message that financial mismanagement will not be tolerated.
The Path Forward
The collection of the required signatures is not merely a procedural formality but a critical step in demonstrating the parliament's commitment to ethical governance. If the motion succeeds, it will initiate a process that could lead to the removal of the commissioners involved, thereby reinforcing the principles of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
Theodore Ssekikubo, the mover of the motion, expressed optimism about the growing support. "The addition of MP Hon. Twalla Fadil and many other dedicated legislators to this cause shows that we are united in our stand against corruption and misuse of public funds. We are confident that we will reach the required number of signatures and take the necessary steps to restore public trust in our institutions."
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding the Shs1.7 billion service award comes at a time when Uganda faces numerous socio-economic challenges. The misallocation of public funds has heightened public scrutiny and demand for better stewardship of resources. The effort to censure the commissioners is not just about addressing this specific incident but also about setting a precedent for future conduct.
The successful censure of the backbench commissioners would signal a significant shift towards greater accountability and could pave the way for more stringent oversight mechanisms within the parliament. It would also demonstrate to the Ugandan populace that their elected representatives are committed to upholding the principles of good governance.
Hon. Twalla Fadil's decision to join over 100 MPs in supporting the censure motion against the backbench commissioners marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability in Uganda's Parliament. As the campaign gains traction, it reflects a broader commitment among lawmakers to address financial impropriety and ensure that public funds are used in the best interests of the citizens. The outcome of this motion will not only affect the implicated commissioners but also shape the future of governance and public trust in Uganda.
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