Obote Free To Return - PM

By John Kakande and Richard Mutumba PRIME Minister (PM) Prof. Apolo Nsibambi (pictured) yesterday said the Government's invitation to exiled ex-President Dr. Milton Obote to return home still stands. "Obote was given chance to come back and he declined. The chance has not elapsed," Nsibambi said in an impromptu interview at the Parliament House's central lobby. Nsibambi was answering a question on whether the offer given to Obote had expired. The Government in 1998 asked Obote to return home in and be accorded benefits as a former head of state, but he shunned the invitation. He has been in exile in Lusaka, Zambia, since July 1985. Nsibambi said ex-president Idi Amin would not be invited to return because of the atrocities he committed. The PM said the Government was delighted that former president Godfrey Binaisa had returned home. He said under the law, Binaisa is guaranteed his benefits as a former president. Nsibambi also talked about the failure by Parliament to conduct business due to lack of quorum. It failed to realise quorum for about 30 minutes forcing Speaker Francis Ayume to adjourn the session. Mbarara Municipality MP Winnie Byanyima, who was scheduled to make a statement in the House, arrived shortly before the adjournment. Rukungiri Woman MP Winnie Babihuga, returned to the House yesterday. She had travelled to USA after the March 12 polls. Ends