Reports emanating from parliament indicate that the legislative arm of government is facing an impending financial crisis.
According to ekyooto the Parliamentary Commission, an administrative unit of the House, several service providers such as food suppliers at the canteen have gone unpaid for over six months, leading them to the brink of closure.
Additionally, the National Water and Sewerage Service Bill has caused the authorities to cut off water supply in the Parliamentary building, with staff members noting that even the toilets are not functioning. “Toilets don’t even flush. There is no water in the washrooms,” a source at Parliament disclosed. Another source revealed that some staff members have gone without pay for five months, creating a crisis situation.
The root cause of this financial distress is thought to be linked to nepotism and corrupt tendencies exhibited by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, who heads the Parliamentary Commission responsible for allocating funds and resources to different departments of the House.
It is now believed that the current Speaker replaced experienced administrators; former Speakers Kadaga and Oulanyah, awarding her own inexperienced loyalists to run the House’s affairs.
Furthermore, allegations have been made that the Speaker siphons billions of shillings from the Commission for her own use. Some insiders cite last year’s procurement of Vogue Range Rover Sport series imported from the UK at a cost of close to $500,000. The Speaker is also reported to issue handouts and unnecessary trips to her close allies, including Hon. Daudi Kabanda, Asuman Basalirwa, Medard Lubega Ssegona, among others.
Finally, some sources within the Commission claim that the House spent a considerable amount of money last year procuring a fleet of vehicles for Parliament administrators.
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