UDN Against Expensive Cars

Jul 18, 2001

THE Uganda Debt Network (UDN) and the Forum for Integrity in Democracy (FID), have cautioned the Government against buying expensive motor vehicles for government officials, saying it perpetuates poverty in the country.

By Milton Olupot THE Uganda Debt Network (UDN) and the Forum for Integrity in Democracy (FID), have cautioned the Government against buying expensive motor vehicles for government officials, saying it perpetuates poverty in the country. In a press conference at the Nile Hotel Kampala, yesterday, the two anti corruption bodies said billions of money used in acquiring expensive cars for ministers, MPs and other government officials should be spent on increased expenditure for poverty eradication. A joint statement read by the FID vice-chairman, Rev. Dr. Edward Muhima and addressed to the Prime Minister, said most of the funds used to buy such cars are borrowed and have to be paid back by the poor people in form of taxes. The statement signed by the UDN co-ordinator, Zie Gariyo and FID chairman Emmanuel Tumusiime, is also copied to the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Gariyo said government is buying vehicles ranging between sh70m to sh150m yet over 38% of the Ugandan children below five years are stunted and most never live beyond five years. He estimated that buying vehicles for the new Cabinet of 66 would cost over sh5b. "We call upon the peoples representatives in Parliament to categorically and unreservedly refuse to sanction such purchases in the budget and to refuse to take such vehicles. It is a pity that leaders who know better that their electorate are impoverished are the ones demanding for more privileges," he said. Ends

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