In Bukooli Central Constituency, Bugiri District, a significant movement is underway to censor their Member of Parliament, Hon. Solomon Silwanyi. The initiative, spearheaded by local politicians and residents, stems from allegations of corruption, disrespect towards the Busoga people, and the arrest of political dissenters.
The voters accuse Hon. Silwanyi, who also serves as a commissioner of parliament, of belittling the people of Busoga. This includes derogatory remarks made at a function in Masaka, organized by Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe MP and fellow parliament commissioner, where he criticized Basoga for alleged hypocrisy and envy.
Adding fuel to the fire, constituents claim that Hon. Silwanyi has targeted and arrested those who oppose him politically. A notable case involves Mr. Njiya Rogers, a former supporter of FDC’s Hon. Wafula Ogutu. During the contentious 2021 parliamentary elections, Mr. Njiya was reportedly detained on Hon. Silwanyi’s orders after recording a video of the MP distributing money to voters. The incident led to Mr. Njiya’s phone being confiscated and him being manhandled by the MP’s supporters.
Mr. Lyavala Abubakar, the former NUP flag bearer for LCV Bugiri District, is leading the charge for censorship. His team has already collected over 35,000 signatures and is aiming to reach the constitutional threshold of 58,818. They have organized a fundraising event at Nankoma sub-county headquarters to raise Shs. 47 million in compensation for Hon. Silwanyi following a court ruling in his favor against Njiya for voter bribery accusations.
Despite Njiya’s subsequent legal battle against Hon. Silwanyi for assault and bribery, the case faltered due to the loss of crucial evidence, as the video was deleted during the arrest.
Mr. Lyavala is calling on Busoga leaders, including Rt. Hon. Kadaga, Hon. Minister Lumumba, and Hon. Minister Persis Namuganza, to support their cause. “We have collected over 35,000 signatures and aim for 58,818 to censure Hon. Silwanyi. We urge our leaders to join us,” Mr. Lyavala stated.
Local government leaders, including Bugiri District LCV Chairperson Mr. Mulumba Davidson Kasajja, have condemned Hon. Silwanyi’s actions. Mr. Mulumba criticized the MP’s conduct and claimed Silwanyi was involved in unethical dealings, such as the sale of land at Nankoma-Nalubale. He donated Shs. 1 million to the cause, while Hon. Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, represented by former MP Bukooli Central Hon. Benard Mulengani, contributed Shs. 3 million. The Bugiri Woman MP Taaka Agnes Wejuli also contributed Shs. 2 million, bringing the total funds raised to approximately Shs. 13,835,800, including Shs. 11,235,800 in cash and Shs. 2,600,000 in pledges.
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