Return the money, Kryspus Ayena Odongo tells Lango MPs

By Denis Okello (denis.okello@vol.co.ug)

Oyam

Former Oyam North MP, Kryspus Ayena Odongo, has urged Lango region MPs who allegedly received Shs100 million from the Office of the President to return the money and instead channel it towards struggling local governments.

Ayena, who intends to run for the Oyam North seat in 2026, argued that MPs already earn sizable salaries and should use such funds to support grassroots development.

He suggested the money could be used to renovate community schools, repair boreholes, fuel road equipment, or buy hospital beds.

However, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa refuted the claims, dismissing the reports as baseless.

During a House sitting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Tayebwa said Parliament had not approved any such funds and cautioned MPs against spreading unverified claims that damage the institution’s reputation.

This response followed Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi’s demand for clarity, citing widespread media reports.

Tayebwa emphasized that he had neither received the money nor heard from anyone who had.

Government Chief Whip Denis Hamison Obua echoed the denial, stressing that MPs are paid only through formal, statutory channels.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi alleged via social media that MPs—mainly from the ruling NRM and some from the opposition—received the money as a reward for backing the controversial Coffee Bill, and potentially in anticipation of supporting amendments to the UPDF Act.