National Unity Platform (NUP) Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi has challenged the government to demonstrate that its renewed anti-corruption campaign is genuine by prosecuting senior and politically connected officials accused of misusing public resources. Speaking at the NUP headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, Ssenyonyi said the Opposition had been vindicated after years of raising concerns about corruption, despite being labelled enemies of progress and foreign agents.
Ssenyonyi said the Opposition’s criticism of government should not be interpreted as hostility towards the country, arguing that exposing corruption was part of its responsibility to Ugandans. “When we are talking about corruption, it’s not because we hate our country. It’s actually because we love our country,” he said.
His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of Uganda Airlines, where investigations have been launched into alleged financial and administrative irregularities. The national carrier has faced scrutiny over procurement and financial management, with investigators examining allegations including abuse of office, embezzlement and false accounting.
Ssenyonyi, however, warned that arresting a few officials would not be enough to convince Ugandans that the government was serious about fighting corruption. He called for a non-selective approach to fighting corruption, arguing that enforcement should not stop at junior officials while senior and politically connected individuals accused of misappropriating large sums of public money are left untouched.
Ssenyonyi said the government should prosecute the “big shots” if it wants to demonstrate that the anti-corruption campaign is not merely selective or politically motivated. Acting NUP party president John Baptist Nambeshe also questioned the sustainability of the government’s renewed anti-corruption campaign, particularly the involvement of individual ministers who have recently taken the lead in the fight.
Nambeshe urged anti-corruption agencies to make greater use of accountability reports presented to Parliament as they pursue cases of financial mismanagement and abuse of public resources. Meanwhile, NUP announced its support for Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s candidature for United Nations Secretary-General. Nambeshe said Otunnu’s candidature provides an opportunity for Ugandans to unite behind a national figure seeking an international leadership position.
Nambeshe’s remarks follow NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, publicly endorsing Otunnu’s bid. In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Kyagulanyi described Otunnu’s candidature as a source of pride for Uganda, citing his long record of international service, commitment to vulnerable people and advocacy for justice.
“As a Ugandan, it fills me with pride to see an illustrious son of our nation carry a lifetime of global service, a fierce commitment to the vulnerable, and a deep passion for justice to the world stage,” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi also endorsed Otunnu’s emphasis on peace, integrity and reform of international institutions, describing him as a leader with the experience and vision needed to contribute to a fairer and more accountable global order.
Uganda formally nominated Otunnu for the UN Secretary-General position on July 24, 2026. The United Nations lists him among the candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres, whose term ends at the close of 2026.
Otunnu, a former UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, participated in the UN’s informal interactive dialogue with member states on August 19. His candidature has also received backing from President Yoweri Museveni, who has been mobilising international support for Uganda’s nominee-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
