
South Sudan: UN Takes disciplinary action against staff member who failed to complete self-isolation (19.04.2020)














Many Ugandans are surprised and very angry that the Parliament of Uganda allocated 10 Billion Shillings to itself amidst an unprecedented Coronavirus crisis. The allocation of this money is not only shameful. It is insensitive to the plight of millions of Ugandans who are facing untold challenges ranging from hunger, sickness and even death.
Ugandans are bearing the brunt of this predicament. There have been reports of numerous people failing to access health centers due to limited transport means, and as a result some have succumbed to various ailments. A huge number of people across the country are in dire need of food, healthcare and other essential amenities. The Government has not done much to help them.
Ugandans are therefore justified to be very angry at this selfish action by their ‘representatives’. Our view, however, is that Ugandans should be angrier at the manner by which they are governed- the 20 million shillings is a symptom of a bigger crisis which we are fighting to resolve.
Indeed, government presented a supplementary budget of over 300 billion shillings to Parliament to aid in the fight against COVID19. Many aspects of the budget were not only luxurious, some seemed even dubious! Several legislators raised concerns about the allocation of huge sums of money for things like billboards, but they would not be heard! A Minority Report authored by Hon. Gerald Karuhanga was ignored. The budget was passed without much debate.
It will be recalled that on 24th March, we issued a statement in which we demanded that government diverts monies from all non-essential aspects and diverts it to equipping health facilities across the country, and giving incentives to health workers. Unfortunately, the same government which has never prioritised the healthcare of the people of Uganda ignored our call.
Regarding the 20 million shillings therefore, it appears that yet again, the executive thought that for the supplementary budget to pass with ease, MPs needed to get a share of this money so they don’t resist its passing. We all recall that this has been done countless times, including in the passing of immoral Constitutional amendments, such as the term limit and age limit amendments. On several occasions, MPs have been bribed do the bidding of the Executive. This is why elections matter. This is why it should matter to all Ugandans who they elect for office at every level!
We reject the notion that this money was meant to enable Members of Parliament carry out their roles in this period. The cardinal roles of an MP include; legislation, representation, budget allocation and government oversight. None of these roles require an MP to be an extension of the Executive, in the sense that government should in addition to MPs’ salaries provide a separate budget to each MP to extend services to the people. An MP, just like any other able citizen can avail support to vulnerable people from their personal earnings (something which I personally have done and continue to do), but this money should not be drawn from the tax payers’ money.
Let me clarify that I have not received this money. Should it be deposited on my account, I will immediately order my bank to return it to the Consolidated Fund and demand that it is put to its proper purpose. We must learn to empower institutions and not seek to enrich individuals.
As we have repeatedly said, the focus of our nation at this point should be on building a robust healthcare system, and empowering our healthcare practitioners with all they need, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The People Power Movement will continue to use the available resources contributed by ourselves and other well-wishers to reach out and support some of our people who are in extreme need.
We shall also continue to demand that the government reaches out to all citizens and gives them food relief in these tough times.
And yes, we shall continue struggling day and night to put an end to the decadent and corrupt regime.
Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert
MP- Kyadondo East Constituency &
Leader of the People Power Movement

There is dropped an Corrigenda of the Budget for the Financial Year of 2020/21. This is always put adjust after the voting on the original budget and change the placement on funds. We are now seeing the state plans to make it rain on the Local Defence Unit (LDUs). Which is already made to ensure the political pressure and insight fear towards the General Elections of 2021. This is a common thread in the mind and the spirit of National Resistance Movement (NRM). They always have one para-military outfit to secure the public is kept of guard and doesn’t challenge a rigged election.
Therefore, the state needs to ensure the para-military organization is fed and has enough equipment. Even if there is legal basis for it and its a ad-hoc idea of the President. He still will implement and use this tool, as it is convenient. That is why suddenly the LDUs getting billions for their work. This is well planned behaviour.
“Vote OO4 – Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs: Ushs. 90.6Bn provided to cater for arrears on LDUs food, fuel, clothing, medical as well as maintenance of vehicles” (Corrigenda Report FY 2020/21, 06.04.2020).
This is how suddenly the state needs funds to secure their para-military organization, whose created with one motive and motivation. This group isn’t there for securing the borders nor a foreign enemy. Neither for insurgency or terrorism. No, this is to incite fear and secure the elections. They are not there for pickpockets nor anything else, that is the Police work.
Therefore, this funds, these billions is part of the re-election charade of the NRM. Peace.




