Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has refuted reports that Members of Parliament received Shs 100 million each from President Yoweri Museveni—the cash rumored to be a token of appreciation for passing the contentious Coffee Amendment Bill, and a prelude to backing the upcoming UPDF Amendment Act.
While presiding over a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Tayebwa dismissed the cash bonanza claims as “street talk,” warning MPs against legitimizing rumors.
“I have not received any coin, neither have I received any call from anyone who has my money. If you know you have my money, please bring it,” Tayebwa said.
He added, “We never approved any item here called a donation from the president to MPs.”
The Deputy Speaker further condemned what he described as reckless leaks to the media, cautioning that such actions could tarnish the integrity of the entire institution.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who is not currently in the country, escalated the cash bonanza reports by releasing a video purporting to show MPs collecting the alleged cash. His move reignited public outrage and sparked calls for the dissolution of Parliament.