Caught in contradiction: Ssenyonyi's five-day Nairobi request surfaces

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi requested Parliament to grant them five days to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, contradicting his recent claim of only needing one day.

In a leaked letter seen by The Nile Post, Ssenyonyi stated, "The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to inform you and seek your permission to be away from 1st February to 5th February 2024."

Their visit aimed to pay a courtesy call on Muhammad Ssegirinya, Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, who is currently receiving treatment at Agha Khan Hospital in Nairobi.

Ssengirinya is battling various illnesses, including skin cancer and gastrointestinal complications, and was urgently taken to Nairobi on January 9th due to a deterioration in his condition.

Ssenyonyi highlighted the importance of solidarity among parliamentarians in the letter.

"It is crucial for us as leaders to stand by our colleague in his time of need. Our visit is not only to show support to Hon. Ssegirinya but also to ensure that he receives the necessary assistance during his recovery," he stated.

Previously, Ssenyonyi informed the media that he had reimbursed the surplus money allocated for his visit to Nairobi to check on Ssengirinya's health status.

In February, Ssenyonyi, along with other opposition leaders, travelled to the Kenyan capital to visit their ailing colleague at the Aga Khan University Hospital.

Reports indicate that Ssenyonyi was allocated approximately Shs 36 million Ugandan for the trip to visit the sick and bedridden Ssengirinya.

However, records show that he only stayed for a brief period while the funds were being processed for the entire duration of their anticipated stay.

Recently, Ssenyonyi clarified the situation, stating that he had only planned to spend one night in Nairobi before promptly returning to fulfil his other duties.

However, he discovered that the allocated funds were processed for five days instead of the intended one day he planned to be present.

"I clearly stated my intention to stay for one night and promptly returned to fulfil my other commitments. However, I was surprised to find that funds were processed for five days, contrary to my plans," he explained.

Ssenyonyi emphasized the importance of accountability among leaders and acknowledged the existence of an accountability office in Parliament responsible for deducting any extra days' expenses from their emoluments in subsequent months.

However, the leaked letter written to Parliament seeking permission clearly shows that he requested to be there for five days.