In the last few days, the leader of the opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has been vocal, directing his criticism towards his predecessor, Mathias Mpuuga and Parliament leadership.But has Joel presented facts or is he simply politicking? We took the time to examine the facts closely.
RECRUITMENT
The latest individuals recruited to the Parliamentary service are within his office, we can confirm authoritatively. A few weeks ago, the Parliamentary commission recruited Ms. Brenda Keiajgye, the younger sister of Barbie Itungo, as the senior personal assistant to the LOP. Meanwhile, Joel claims his staff were denied contract renewals. When given the option to retain staff within the wage ceiling, he chose none other than the sister-in-law of his appointing authority and NUP leader, Robert Kyaguanyi Ssentamu. Additionally, Joel's own sister-in-law, Esther Kisakye, works as an office assistant in the same office. Joel was also permitted to handpick a driver and a press secretary, Ali Mivule. It's worth noting that the press position doesn’t formally exist within the office's structures but is a courtesy extended to the LOP.
COMMISSION MEETINGS
By virtue of his position, Joel is a member of the Parliamentary commission and is entitled to all information regarding the operations of the Parliament decision-making body. Our investigation reveals the existence of a parliamentary commission secretariat that attends to such issues, where Joel could have obtained all the necessary information. It is also a fact that there have been no commission sittings in recent days. Is Joel simply ignorant or intentionally playing politics?
THE ROLES OF THE COMMISSION
The Nakawa West MP has consistently accused his predecessor of using the Kabaka to embezzle funds, a statement considered insulting to both Mpuuga and the kingdom. Joel recently returned from a trip to Nairobi where he met the minority leader, Opiyo Wandayi. The funds used for such trips are approved by the same commission he accuses of irregularities. Joel also manages a budget of billions of shillings, which includes funds for travel abroad, entertainment, fuel, and office expenses. How can his own budget be legal while accusing Mpuuga's of being illegal? Is Joel exhibiting double standards or simply lacking knowledge about the operations of the House?
THE 3.1 BILLION RADIO CONTRACT
In the spotlight, Joel displayed ignorance about how contract frameworks operate by accusing Mama Bukedea of being awarded a 3.1-billion-shilling contract. A simple Google search on procurement reveals that the 3.1 billion is simply the maximum amount allocated to all radio stations offering services to the August House. Media houses are only paid for the services delivered when required, resulting in each radio station receiving about 15 million shillings per financial year. Here, we find that the LOP exhibited ignorance of the law, similar to Spire Sentongo, a professor at Makerere University.
SECURITY DETAIL
Joel travels with a security detail of about 37 counter-terrorism officers who guard him, his wife, and his residence. Under the constitution, the LOP is equivalent to a cabinet minister, yet Joel enjoys a full VIP convoy and right of way, courtesy of the Parliamentary commission. If he disagrees with the opulence at Parliament, shouldn’t he first denounce the benefits accorded by the same commission? So, we ask, is Joel simply politicking or naïv
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