Politics 9 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Draws Criticism for Forgiving Three NRM MPs Facing Corruption Charges
President Museveni has faced backlash from legal experts and analysts after announcing he pardoned three NRM MPs accused of graft during a retreat for new lawmakers. Critics argue the action violates constitutional rules on presidential mercy, which apply only to convicted individuals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-faces-backlash-over-pardon-of-three-nrm-mps-in-graft-cases-5418278
President Yoweri Museveni is facing strong criticism after revealing he forgave three National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs embroiled in corruption cases. The remarks came on Wednesday at the opening of a retreat for newly elected MPs in Kyankwanzi.
The MPs involved are Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East), Paul Akamba (Busiki County), and Cissy Namujju (Woman MP for Lwengo District). Museveni, speaking as NRM chairman, stated they apologized and were pardoned upon repentance.
Legal experts contend this breaches Uganda’s Constitution. Article 121 allows the President to grant mercy only to convicted persons, based on advice from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. Conditions include serving most of a sentence, showing remorse, exhausting appeals, and getting prison recommendations.
Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe described it as evidence of political interference in justice, undermining anti-corruption efforts through patronage. Constitutional lawyer Peter Walubiri emphasized pardons are for convicts only, not suspects presumed innocent, and accused the Director of Public Prosecutions of losing independence.
Former Ethics Minister Maria Matembe and policy analyst Godber Tumushabe echoed concerns, noting mercy is for those convicted, often ill or elderly, not ongoing cases. They highlighted unequal treatment compared to political detainees.
This follows the DPP’s January nolle prosequi, dropping budget corruption charges against the MPs for allegedly seeking kickbacks from the Uganda Human Rights Commission chair. Uganda loses over Shs10 trillion yearly to corruption amid declining global rankings.