Uganda's 'Mr. Integrity'? Remembering Wilfred Kajeke's Shock Parliamentary Resignation

Uganda’s political landscape in July 2009 saw an unprecedented event when Wilfred Kajeke, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Member of Parliament for Mbale Municipality, voluntarily stepped down from his seat. At 36, the lawyer submitted an eight-page resignation letter to Parliament Speaker Edward Ssekandi, articulating his profound “crisis of conscience.”

Kajeke stated that he could no longer serve in a Parliament he believed was failing to hold the government accountable on critical issues. His concerns highlighted systemic corruption, escalating public debt, and the worsening poverty impacting many Ugandans. He explicitly criticized what he perceived as hypocrisy in leadership and expressed deep worry over Uganda’s external debt, which had reached approximately $4 billion at the time. Furthermore, he condemned the government’s handling of famine and poverty in the northern and eastern regions of the country.

In his detailed letter, Kajeke argued that by remaining in Parliament, he would be complicit in decisions that were “recklessly mortgaging” the nation’s future. His decision sent tremors through the political circles, prompting varied reactions.

The FDC’s then-President, Dr. Kizza Besigye, acknowledged Kajeke’s personal decision while concurring with the MP’s concerns about corruption. Conversely, the ruling NRM party, through spokesperson Mary Karooro Okurut, dismissed speculation that Kajeke’s resignation was orchestrated to trigger a by-election.

Public opinion was divided. Some lauded Kajeke for prioritizing principles over political office, hailing his act as a rare display of integrity. Others, particularly constituents in Mbale, felt he should have remained to advocate for change from within the legislative body.

Though announced on July 13, 2009, Kajeke’s resignation officially took effect on December 20, 2009, paving the way for a by-election. This election, held in February 2010, saw the FDC’s Jack Wamai Wamanga secure the seat, defeating the NRM candidate. Kajeke’s departure remains a notable instance of a voluntary resignation from Parliament, alongside Erias Lukwago’s in 2011 to pursue the Kampala Lord Mayor position.

Source: Nile Post