Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has spoken out on his expensive watch after Ugandans disagreed on whether he was a rich man before ascending to the top office or if he got wealthy after getting powerful government positions.
The debate on Thomas Tayebwa’s watch, said to be a Hublot Spirit of Big Bang, has raged on since last month after it was estimated to be worth $20,000 (over Shs75m).
One group claimed that Tayebwa, the Ruhinda North MP, was a rich man even before he became deputy speaker of parliament in 2022. Before then, Tayebwa was the government chief whip.
Those who support this viewpoint have presented the 2021 campaign photo of Tayebwa showing him donning the same expensive watch. Then he was not yet a government chief whip nor had he become deputy speaker.
“This was before Thomas Tayebwa became Deputy Speaker of Parliament. The watch he is wearing here is one of the 50 pieces ever manufactured. Shop was closed after the 50 pieces were made. He seems like a watch collector. Rich people things!” wrote Lindah Nduwumwami.
“The watch has been here since long ago. This is the official poster Tayebwa used in the 2021 elections before he became Deputy Speaker. For those who have been WATCHING him, you know!” emphasized Nelson Bwire Kapo.
But Anthony Natif, leading the inquiry into the deputy speaker’s wealth, said: “I can imagine. From where he was in 2006 to now, I am sure his investments have grown so much without a single input from Hon Thomas Tayebwa’s political connections. That move from FDC to NRM allowed him financially support a poor party with no source of funds.”
THOMAS TAYEBWA’S VIEW
Speaking the 4th Annual National Project Management Conference in Kampala on June 07, 2024, Tayebwa said he would not apologize for being a hardworking Ugandan.
He wondered how a man from whom 400 people earn their living as employees would be accused of being happy.
“Through my businesses, I employ over 400 people but even when I buy a watch, people think I have used taxpayers’ money. So, if I can look after 400 families, why wouldn’t I afford to buy myself something good and look nice?” he was quoted as saying.
“Some Ugandans want you to apologise for being happy, successful, and hardworking. Never apologise for being any of these,” the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.”
Tayebwa’s senior colleague, speaker Anita Among has been on the spot over her wealth, with the UK slapping sanctions against her over corruption. (Read Stories Here and There).
Read Thomas Tayebwa’s profile Here.
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