The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has warned legislators in the 12th Parliament against making their leaders sources of personal financial rescue.
While opening the three-day induction of the new parliament on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, Tayebwa urged lawmakers to embrace financial discipline, strengthen legislative competence and protect the integrity of Parliament from corruption allegations.
The Deputy Speaker revealed that during the previous term, some lawmakers frequently sought personal financial assistance from presiding officers, creating pressure on parliamentary leadership and undermining institutional systems.
“Do not look at the Speaker as a moving ATM. There were times I feared coming to office because I did not have Shs5 million or Shs10 million to give out,” he said urging legislators to live within their salaries and avoid unsustainable lifestyles.
Tayebwa also challenged legislators to improve the quality of parliamentary debate through extensive research and informed participation.
“You must read and research widely if Parliament is to regain public confidence through meaningful debate,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also warned committee chairpersons and their deputies against conducting closed-door meetings, arguing that secrecy fuels public suspicion of corruption and deal-making.
“Closed meetings create suspicion among the public. Committee business should be transparent,” he added.
He additionally cautioned accounting officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) against colluding with legislators to inflate government budgets in exchange for kickbacks, a practice that has previously attracted criticism from anti-corruption activists and oversight agencies.
The Clerk to Parliament, Hon. Adolf Mwesige called on legislators to actively participate in the induction sessions to better understand parliamentary procedures, institutional culture and their constitutional responsibilities.
“We urge members to participate keenly in this orientation programme to facilitate their operations and execution of their constitutional mandate,” Mwesige said.
The induction is being conducted under the framework of Uganda’s Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, which require MPs to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and effective representation.
Article 79 of the Constitution vests legislative authority in Parliament, while the Leadership Code Act and the Anti-Corruption Act establish standards for ethical conduct by public officials.
Several senior parliamentary officials and directors attended the induction, including directors responsible for legislative services, communication and public affairs, human resource management, finance, committee affairs, information and communication technology, and corporate planning
