UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has called for Parliament’s finances and operations to be placed under a temporary independent administrator, saying the institution cannot credibly investigate itself as corruption allegations deepen.
Her remarks come as investigations linked to the tenure of former Speaker Anita Among continue to expand, with security agencies and anti-corruption bodies examining procurement systems, financial approvals and senior administrative offices within Parliament of Uganda.
Byanyima said the current approach risks undermining public confidence in accountability efforts, arguing that internal processes are insufficient in the face of serious allegations involving public funds.
She proposed that the President appoint an independent administrator to temporarily take charge of Parliament’s financial and operational systems.
According to her, the administrator should freeze suspicious payments and procurement processes, secure records, preserve evidence and suspend officials linked to the ongoing investigations.
She further recommended the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to carry out a wider review.
“The President should appoint an independent administrator to take over Parliament’s finances and operations temporarily. The Administrator should freeze suspicious payments and procurements, secure records and protect evidence, suspend implicated officials pending investigations.
"A Judicial Commission of Inquiry should then be established. Its mandate should go beyond individual blame to recommending structural reforms to restore Parliament as a public institution,” she said.
Byanyima added that the process should not be limited to identifying individuals responsible for wrongdoing, but should also address systemic weaknesses that allow misuse of public resources.
“This can’t just be about punishing theft. It has to be about rescuing a captured institution,” she said.
The remarks come at a time when Parliament is facing heightened scrutiny following reports of expanded investigations into alleged financial misconduct within its top offices.
Investigators are said to be reviewing financial records, procurement approvals and administrative decisions as part of a widening probe.
The developments have triggered renewed debate on oversight and governance within the legislature, with concerns raised over whether existing accountability structures are capable of independently handling the matter.