MPs collect signatures to censure ministers named in oil saga

 By Apollo Mubiru and Henry Sekanjako

MPs Wednesday morning embarked on the collection of signatures to censure ministers accused of receiving bribes and imflunce peddling in the oil saga.

Kampala central MP Mohammed Nsereko (NRM) has spearheaded the collection of signatures from his colleagues.

According to Nsereko, the NRM government to which he subscribes to should condemn corruption and take action against the corrupt. 

The move comes after accusations against Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi for influence peddling. Foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa and internal affairs minister Hillary Onek allegedly received bribes from oil companies.

During a two-day sizzling debated, MPs called upon the accused ministers to resign and pave way for investigations into the matter to save them the burden of censure. 

Kutesa and Onek are accused of receiving billions as bribes from Tullow Oil, one of the companies lined-up for the oil production.

Premier Mbabazi is accused of having received funds to front for Italian oil company ENI to buy off Heritage shares. His daughter, Nina Mbabazi is said to have owned a company doing business with oil companies. The three ministers have denied the allegations against them.

Of the accused ministers, Kutesa was once a victim of censure in the sixth Parliament. He was later re-appointed by the President.

Article 118 of the Constitution states that: Parliament may pass a vote of censure against a minister on the grounds of (i) abuse of office or willful violation of the oath of allegiance or oath of office; (ii) misconduct or misbehavior; (iii) physical or mental incapacity; (iv) mismanagement; or (v) incompetence. 

The modalities are that Parliament may pass a vote of censure against a minister by resolution supported by more than half of all its members. 

Proceedings for censure of a minister are initiated by a petition to the President through the Speaker, signed by not less than one third of all members of Parliament, stating that they are dissatisfied with the conduct or performance of the minister. 

Upon receipt of the petition, the President causes a copy of it to be given to the minister in question. The motion for the resolution of censure is not debated until the expiry of 30 days after the petition was sent to the President.

A minister in respect of whom a vote of censure is debated is entitled during the debate to be heard in his or her defence.

The consequences are that upon a vote of censure being passed aga