UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has sharply criticised alleged excessive spending within Uganda’s Parliament, terming the emerging claims a “moral outrage” and a “national shame,” as investigations into former Speaker Anita Among continue to gather momentum.
Byanyima’s remarks follow recent allegations by activist Agather Atuhaire, who claimed that senior parliamentary leaders, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, benefited from controversial financial decisions during Among’s tenure.
The claims centre on increased per diem allowances, taxpayer-funded benefits, and what critics describe as excessive expenditure of public resources.
Reacting to the revelations, Byanyima questioned the justification of such spending in a low-income country, drawing comparisons with developed nations.
“Not even the Prime Minister of Norway or the Chancellor of Germany receives such extravagant per diems,” she said, highlighting disparities between Uganda and wealthier donor countries.
She pointed out that in Norway, the Prime Minister operates under the same travel rules as senior civil servants, with modest daily allowances and reimbursed expenses.
Similarly, in Germany, the Chancellor’s travel is governed by federal civil service regulations, with costs such as accommodation refunded separately and daily allowances kept below $80.
Byanyima argued that these international benchmarks underscore the scale of the alleged excess in Uganda, where leaders are expected to manage limited public resources prudently.
“Uganda is poor. Our leaders should act like custodians of scarce public resources, not beneficiaries of excess,” she stated.
Her comments signal growing pressure from civil society and policy voices for accountability within Parliament.
While the ongoing probe has largely focused on Among, Atuhaire’s assertions have widened the scope of scrutiny to include other members of the parliamentary leadership.
Byanyima further called on citizens to take an active role in demanding transparency and reform, particularly if public officials appear unresponsive to criticism.
“If politicians feel no embarrassment, citizens must demand change,” she said, framing the issue as both a governance and civic responsibility concern.
The allegations have sparked debate about public finance management and oversight mechanisms within Uganda’s legislative arm