The National Unity Platform (NUP) has intensified pressure on its Members of Parliament to publicly account for their alleged role in the Shs 100 million cash payout saga, with party president Robert Kyagulanyi warning that silence will not shield any legislator from disciplinary action.
The controversy erupted after reports emerged that each MP received Shs 100 million as a “token of appreciation” for passing a controversial coffee bill and in anticipation of amendments to the UPDF Act.
While several MPs denied receiving the money, a letter from President Museveni later confirmed the disbursement, citing it as facilitation for “legislative work.”
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Kamwokya, Kyagulanyi described a joint opposition statement condemning the payout as “insufficient,” insisting that all opposition MPs—particularly those under NUP—must individually declare their position on the matter.
“We are not going to protect anyone who took this money. If you are quiet, we shall assume you are guilty,” Kyagulanyi warned.
He also rallied citizens across the country to confront their respective MPs and demand clarity, especially from those who have remained evasive about the alleged funds.
Kyagulanyi further cautioned MPs elected under the NUP ticket but now operating in what he termed as “ambiguous terms” to clarify their political loyalty or face consequences.
He revealed that more than Shs 53 billion had been disbursed under the scheme—a sum he argued could construct at least five health centres comparable to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. He blamed the MPs involved for contributing to the country’s poor healthcare outcomes.
“This is not just corruption; it’s costing lives. Many Ugandans are dying in underfunded health facilities while their representatives pocket billions,” he said.
The NUP leader also responded to President Museveni’s claims that the opposition receives foreign funding. He dismissed the accusations as baseless, stating that not even a “whiff” of external financial support had been received by the party, and challenged the President to table evidence.
Meanwhile, the party used the same platform to unveil new members who have joined from various political backgrounds, including FDC, DP, and NRM.
Notable names include Kyotera MP John Paul Mpalanyi Lukwago (formerly DP), former DP Women’s League leader Aisha Waliggo, and former Sembabule RDC Kintu Musoke.
There was a moment of applause as the new entrants were officially welcomed.
In a related development, NUP Deputy President for Eastern Uganda, John Baptist Nambeshe, addressed recent allegations suggesting that he had rejoined the ruling NRM.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to NUP, explaining that he had temporarily delegated his role as Chief Whip due to health-related issues.