Kampala, Uganda – Kawempe North Member of Parliament Elias Nalukoola has fired back at reports claiming he was part of a Shs100 million cash bonanza allegedly distributed to all 529 MPs by President Museveni.
The money, according to media reports, was a “thank you” to lawmakers for passing the contentious Coffee Amendment Bill of 2024, which has sparked public outrage and allegations of corruption.
But Nalukoola, a newly sworn-in legislator, says the claims are not only false—they’re defamatory.
“How can someone who has been in Parliament for less than two weeks be appreciated with Shs100 million?” he said during a media address.
Nalukoola, a lawyer by profession and a staunch member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), said he’s considering legal action against the journalists and media houses that published or broadcast the allegations.
“I have not received a single shilling. It’s not true that all of us got that money. Those propagating these lies should be ready to defend them in court,” he warned.
Nalukoola officially joined Parliament after winning the Kawempe North by-election in March, following the removal of the seat’s previous occupant.
However, his swearing-in was delayed until March 24, 2025, due to a gazettement issue with the Electoral Commission.
The Bigger Picture
The Coffee Amendment Bill of 2024, at the center of the controversy, has triggered intense debate across the country. While supporters say it introduces necessary reforms to regulate Uganda’s coffee sector, critics argue it opens the door to exploitation, poor farmer representation, and state overreach.
Allegations of MPs receiving hefty kickbacks for supporting the bill have only added fuel to the fire.
Though no concrete evidence has been presented to support the claims, the public perception of under-the-table deals in Parliament continues to erode trust in Uganda’s legislative processes.
Nalukoola’s sharp response stands out in a climate where many MPs have remained tight-lipped.
His move could become a litmus test for how far individual lawmakers are willing to go to protect their reputations and demand accountability in the media space.
The MP also used the moment to reaffirm his commitment to transparency and good governance, stating, “My record is clear. I stand for the rule of law, constitutionalism, and integrity. I will not sit back while lies are turned into headlines.”
Whether or not the lawsuit materializes, Nalukoola’s stance adds a fresh layer to an already tense conversation surrounding the Coffee Bill, media responsibility, and the cost of misinformation in Uganda’s political landscape.
