The oversight visit by Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development to Buhweju District on 7 October 2026 has sparked controversy following public statements attributed to the District LCV Chairman, Mr. Deogratius Atuhaire, criticising the Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Annet Oyes Byamukama, and the Committee’s activities.
The controversy has raised fundamental questions about the constitutional powers of Parliament, the independence of parliamentary committees, the rights of citizens to report problems, and the responsibilities of district leaders in promoting transparency and accountability.
Supporters of Kisanja No More Sleep have expressed concern that the Chairman’s recorded remarks appear to discourage the exposure of problems within the district, suggesting that revealing weaknesses could negatively affect future government funding.
*Should Buhweju hide its problems to attract more funding?*
One of the most troubling aspects of the Chairman’s reported statements is the implication that citizens and leaders should avoid exposing challenges because doing so might discourage government from allocating additional resources to Buhweju.
Government funding should be guided by public needs, approved priorities, available resources and accountability, not by whether local leaders successfully conceal problems.
If schools lack facilities, roads are impassable, health centres are struggling or wealth-creation programmes are being mismanaged, the responsible institutions must be informed.
The argument that exposing problems could disadvantage Buhweju raises an uncomfortable question: Are there other concerns that citizens and local leaders may be afraid to disclose? This does not establish that additional wrongdoing exists. It does, however, demonstrate why independent oversight and freedom of expression are essential.
*Women Council Chairperson raised the sexual favours allegations*
At the centre of the controversy are allegations that some women seeking access to government wealth-creation funds were being asked for sexual favours by Community Development Officers at sub-county level.
The concerns were reportedly presented to the Parliamentary Committee by Mrs. Bamuyaga, Chairperson of the Buhweju District Women Council, a respected and experienced woman leader. They were not presented as personal allegations by Hon. Annet Oyes Byamukama.
Importantly, the Committee did not declare anyone guilty. Instead, it directed the Buhweju Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the allegations and submit a report within one week.
This directive demonstrates the proper purpose of parliamentary oversight: receiving complaints, establishing facts and recommending corrective action where necessary. The allegations remain unproven pending investigation, and any officers implicated deserve a fair opportunity to respond.
Rather than blaming the Woman MP for the complaints, the district leadership should support a credible investigation that protects complainants, witnesses and the rights of accused officers.
The reaction attributed to the Chairman also raises questions about how women leaders are treated when they speak about sensitive issues. Mrs. Bamuyaga is an experienced leader whose concerns deserve respectful consideration, regardless of whether the investigation ultimately substantiates them.
*Why attack the Woman MP instead of addressing citizens’ demands?*
During the Committee’s engagement, residents raised several development concerns, including the need for increased government funding, easier access to services and the establishment of a Pearl Bank branch to improve financial inclusion.
Yet the Chairman’s public response appears to have concentrated on criticising the Woman MP and other leaders rather than explaining how the district intends to address these priorities.
Citizens are entitled to expect cooperation between their leaders, especially when opportunities arise to attract national attention to local development needs.
*Parliament does not operate under the authority of an LCV Chairman*
Uganda’s Constitution establishes Parliament as an independent institution with legislative, representative and oversight responsibilities. Article 90 provides for parliamentary committees, while the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, provides legal protections for parliamentary proceedings.
An LCV Chairman has important responsibilities under the Constitution and the Local Governments Act, including political leadership and oversight of district administration through lawful structures. However, the Chairman has no general legal authority to require a parliamentary committee or an MP to obtain his personal permission before undertaking lawful oversight.
If Mr. Atuhaire believes the Committee acted improperly, the appropriate response is to communicate formally with its Chairperson, present evidence and request clarification through established procedures.
*The controversy surrounding Minister Balaam’s visit*
The Chairman has also reportedly questioned the origins of a paper presented by Hon. Balaam Barugahara during an earlier government visit, suggesting that individuals associated with the Woman MP prepared it.
Even if a minister consults local leaders, technical experts or citizens while undertaking official duties, such consultation is not inherently improper. Government officials routinely receive briefings from different stakeholders. The important considerations are whether the information is accurate, whether the official acts within the law and whether the assignment serves the public interest.
Similarly, allegations that the Woman MP or her relatives have written letters against the Chairman or the district should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than presented as established facts.
*Value for Money: Why Buhweju needs more oversight*
President Yoweri Museveni’s emphasis on monitoring government programmes and delivering tangible results under the Kisanja No More Sleep message reinforces the importance of public accountability.
Value for Money requires public institutions to examine economy, efficiency and effectiveness. It is not enough to establish that money was released or spent. The critical questions are whether projects were completed, whether beneficiaries received services, whether the quality was satisfactory and whether intended outcomes were achieved.
For Buhweju, this means examining roads, health facilities, schools, agricultural programmes, wealth-creation funds, procurement and other public investments. Every coin counts, especially in a district where development needs remain substantial.
*Calls for PAC, COSASE and other Committees to visit Buhweju*
Supporters of stronger accountability are calling for additional parliamentary scrutiny of public expenditure and service delivery in Buhweju. The Public Accounts Committee could examine relevant audit and expenditure matters, while the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises could be engaged where issues within its mandate arise.
These committees have distinct responsibilities, and any investigation must follow applicable parliamentary procedures. The objective should not be to target individuals but to ensure government programmes deliver intended benefits.
*Could the Chairman’s statements amount to contempt of Parliament?*
The Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act provides a framework for protecting Parliament and its proceedings against improper interference. However, criticism of Parliament or an MP does not automatically constitute contempt. Whether any recorded statement crosses the legal threshold would depend on its actual words, context and effect.
Supporters therefore urge that the audio be examined by the appropriate parliamentary authorities if there is credible evidence of threats, intimidation or attempts to obstruct lawful parliamentary work.
*A call for retraction, apology and cooperation*
The Chairman should clarify his statements and provide evidence for any allegations made against the Woman MP or other public officials. Where statements are inaccurate or unfairly attribute citizens’ complaints to the Woman MP, he should retract them. Where they have undermined the Committee or discouraged citizens from speaking freely, an apology to the Committee, Parliament and the people of Buhweju would demonstrate responsible leadership.
The priority now should be cooperation with the CAO’s investigation, protection of women who may wish to provide evidence, and implementation of the Committee’s lawful recommendations.
*Thank you, Hon. Annet Oyes Byamukama*
Supporters of Kisanja No More Sleep commend Hon. Annet Oyes Byamukama for participating in parliamentary oversight and helping bring the concerns of Buhweju citizens to national attention.
They encourage her to remain focused on service delivery, accountability, increased government investment and stronger monitoring of public programmes.
Buhweju does not need silence to develop. It needs truth, accountability, cooperation and results. Citizens should be encouraged to report problems, not discouraged from speaking. Leaders should answer questions with evidence, not personal attacks.
*Buhweju should not fear oversight. It should welcome it. Every coin counts. Every citizen counts. Every voice counts.*
_Issued by: Supporters of Kisanja No More Sleep_
