Editor
A section of Christians from the Pentecostal churches of Uganda, primarily supporters of Igara East MP Hon. Michael Mawanda Malanga, have begun a week-long period of fasting and constant prayers seeking God’s mercy for his release.
On Friday, Bishop Adam Nkwatsa announced the commencement of five days of prayer and fasting, asking for divine intervention on behalf of Hon. Michael Mawanda, who has been arrested on charges of embezzling part of 164 billion shillings that the government had disbursed to compensate cooperative societies.
“We do not support corruption in any form, and we are not claiming that Hon. Mawanda does not have a case to answer, but we are asking for God’s intervention to have him released from prison,” he said.
He added, “We believe that when God’s hand intervenes, he will be out and able to attend court sessions while not in prison, but we want the court process to continue.”
However, since his arrest, many people in his constituency have been calling for strict punishment, saying they are suffering because a few individuals are misappropriating the limited resources the country has.
Ms. Agnes Akampurira, a resident of Nyeibingo in Ruhumuro sub-county, expressed frustration over the lack of services in hospitals and the poor state of roads.
“This is the same person who comes here during election time and starts distributing money like there is no tomorrow. We now understand where he gets the money from. We want the law to take its course on him,” she said.
She added, “Most of the schools in this constituency, which he represents in Parliament, like Kasa, Karama, and Kayanga primary schools, are in poor condition. I wonder why he cannot use part of the money to rehabilitate them.”
Hon. Michael Mawanda was arrested last week alongside two other legislators—Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu of Elgon County and Busiki County MP Paul Akamba—and a city lawyer, Julius Kirya Taitankonko.
The embattled MPs on corruption charges are scheduled to appear in court again in July for the hearing of their bail applications.
