Parliament orders removal of MPs’ phone numbers from public platforms

Parliament has ordered the removal of lawmakers’ personal telephone numbers from its official online platforms and records after fraudsters reportedly used the contacts to target MPs.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa issued the directive while chairing Wednesday’s plenary sitting, instructing the Clerk to Parliament to ensure the numbers are removed without delay.

Tayebwa said investigations had established that fraudsters were obtaining MPs’ telephone numbers through Google searches and parliamentary websites before using them to solicit money under false pretences.

Several MPs have reportedly received persistent calls from individuals claiming to need financial assistance or impersonating senior government officials to solicit money.

The problem has persisted for years, with similar complaints raised during the 11th Parliament.

Tayebwa was among the legislators who previously expressed concern about fraudsters exploiting publicly available telephone numbers to target MPs.

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