Of Bribes, Bills, and Broken Mirrors: Uganda’s Parliament on Trial Before History
There is something fundamentally wrong with a society that can find UGX 100 million for each MP as a ‘reward’ for being stupid but cannot find money to equip its own hospitals. We are all collectively sick!" His blunt criticism came as USAID handed over 48 digital X-ray machines to the Ministry of Health, a painful reminder of the Ugandan state’s misplaced priorities — foreign donors equipping hospitals, while Parliament bathes in bribes. - Samuel Ssejaaka
Uganda Today Edition: Of Bribes, Bills, and Broken Mirrors: Uganda’s Parliament on Trial Before History
By Uganda Today Editorial Team
[www.ugandatoday.co.ug]
“Woe to those who craft laws in the dark, who write decrees to entrench power, forgetting that the hand that builds the cage may one day live in it.” — Fr. Dr. Henry Nganda Sserwaniko
As Uganda’s Parliament comes under intense scrutiny for allegedly accepting UGX 100 million bribes per Member of Parliament, a storm of ethical, moral, and constitutional questions rages across the country. At the heart of the controversy lies the UPDF Amendment Bill, a legislative proposal widely viewed as an attempt to further militarize governance and institutionalize state control over civilians.
The money, quietly disbursed under the guise of “facilitation,” is now being interpreted by critics and constitutional observers as an oil slick meant to smoothen the path for the controversial bill’s passage.
And in the words of Professor Samuel Sejjaaka, the rot is undeniable:
“There is something fundamentally wrong with a society that can find UGX 100 million for each MP as a ‘reward’ for being stupid but cannot find money to equip its own hospitals. We are all collectively sick!”
His blunt criticism came as USAID handed over 48 digital X-ray machines to the Ministry of Health, a painful reminder of the Ugandan state’s misplaced priorities — foreign donors equipping hospitals, while Parliament bathes in bribes.
When Bribery Becomes a Weaponized Tool of Governance
Insiders say the UGX 100 million payouts are not mere generosity or development funds. They are a calculated bribe, a transactional currency of loyalty. In exchange, MPs are expected to vote favorably on the UPDF Amendment Bill — a piece of legislation that expands military reach into civil governance, threatening civic freedoms, political organizing, and judicial independence.
In biblical fashion, Rev. Fr. Sserwaniko issued a warning to Parliamentarians:
“The law you design today may be the very whip that strikes your back—or that of your children—when your name no longer echoes in State House.”
History Speaks — And Uganda Refuses to Listen
Uganda’s own history serves as a somber cautionary tale. In the 1970s, those who empowered Idi Amin’s military thought themselves untouchable — until they too were devoured. In Obote’s regime, weaponizing the army backfired, leaving behind wreckage, exile, and shame. Even President Museveni, once a fierce critic of military rule, now presides over a regime steadily codifying what he once fought against.
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.” — Proverbs 26:27
Alexander the Great’s Final Lesson to Uganda’s Powerful
The timing of Uganda’s legislative scandal coincides with a viral reflection on the final wishes of Alexander the Great, who, on his deathbed, made three symbolic requests:
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That the best doctors carry his coffin, to show that no human can defeat death.
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That gold be scattered along his burial path, to show that wealth remains behind.
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That his hands dangle from his coffin, to prove that we leave this world empty-handed.
Uganda’s ruling class might conquer elections, dominate airwaves, and engineer votes — but they will leave behind only their legacy. If that legacy is one of bribery, oppression, and betrayal, history will not be kind.
A Mirror Cracked by Corruption
Parliament, once envisioned as the vanguard of democracy, now stands accused of becoming a marketplace for political allegiance. Instead of upholding justice, legislators allegedly auction it. Instead of defending the citizen, they appear to be defending the state from the citizen.
Fr. Sserwaniko echoes Ecclesiastes:
“There is a time to tear down and a time to build… a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
Now is the time to speak.
A Call to Conscience: What Shall You Leave Behind?
Ugandan lawmakers must now ask themselves: Will you leave behind statutes that empower future tyrants? Will your children suffer under the very boots you laced today?
“With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” — Luke 6:38
“Do not plant thorns along the path your own feet must walk tomorrow.”
Fr. Sserwaniko reminds the nation of Micah 6:8:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Uganda needs not more soldiers in Parliament but more servants of justice. The voice of the people is rising. Let it not be said that when Uganda needed courage, its Parliament chose silver.
#StopTheBribes
#NoToMilitarization
#LegacyOverLoot
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