UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has called for broad institutional reforms in Uganda following corruption investigations involving former Speaker Anita Among, saying the issue goes beyond individual responsibility and reflects deeper failures within Parliament.
Her remarks come as anti-corruption agencies expand their probe into alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office and procurement irregularities linked to operations within the legislature.
Investigators have reportedly conducted searches at parliamentary offices and seized documents and electronic devices as part of ongoing inquiries.
Byanyima warned against treating the matter as an isolated case involving one official.
“The allegations emerging from Parliament are not merely about one individual. They point to institutionalised corruption, breakdown of internal controls, abuse of procurement systems, and a culture of impunity,” she said.
She argued that focusing only on personal accountability would not address the underlying governance weaknesses exposed by the scandal.
“The response therefore cannot be limited to investigating the Speaker or asking her to step aside from contesting again. What is required is a full institutional rescue process,” she added.
Byanyima stressed that Uganda’s repeated corruption scandals reflect systemic problems that require structural reforms rather than disciplinary action alone.
She noted that weak oversight mechanisms and procurement loopholes have enabled misuse of public resources over time.
According to her, accountability must go hand in hand with reforms aimed at strengthening internal controls within Parliament and other state institutions.
She warned that without such measures, similar controversies are likely to recur regardless of changes in leadership.
The remarks add to growing public debate in Uganda over governance standards in Parliament, which has in recent months faced scrutiny over spending practices and allegations of misuse of public funds.
The ongoing investigations have increased pressure on political leaders to demonstrate transparency and restore public confidence in legislative institutions.