CHOGM report not on agenda - Kadaga
May 17, 2010
THE highly anticipated debate on the CHOGM probe report that was presented to Parliament might not take place this week, as it is not on the agenda.
By Cyprian Musoke
THE highly anticipated debate on the CHOGM probe report that was presented to Parliament might not take place this week, as it is not on the agenda.
Unless it is raised on the floor as a matter of national importance warranting immediate attention, the debate is likely to be deferred until Parliament reconvenes in June for the budget reading.
Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga yesterday told The New Vision that there are other pending issues, which also need to be attended to before the House closes.
“There are over four reports that have already been presented from different committees and important loan requests by the Government that we need to debate before we break,†she said.
Asked whether the CHOGM report is not one of the reports to be debated before recess, Kadaga said despite the fact that the report had been presented last week, there was business already lined up.
“I have 22 committees, which have pending reports and I will not accept you (the media) to re-organise my order paper,†she said.
The order paper includes over seven committee reports, government loan requests, ministerial statements and several bills.
The Government last week denied blocking the presentation of the CHOGM probe report to Parliament as MPs expressed fury that Kadaga had not included its presentation as had been anticipated.
They alleged that the Government chief whip, Daudi Migereko, had blocked the presentation, a claim Migereko denied.
Kadaga had earlier said since the report is huge, MPs needed to read and internalise it before debating it.
The probe into the expenditure incurred during the 2007 Commonwealth Summit was presented to Parliament by the public accounts committee (PAC) chairman, Nandala Mafabi, after it survived technical and procedural difficulties.
Kadaga had wanted Nandala to submit the report without reading the details.
However, Nandala protested, saying according to the laid down rules of procedure, the report is presented and if it is detailed, its debate is deferred.
Nandala yesterday said the committee addendum, after hearing out ministers Isaac Musumba, Mwesigwa Rukutana, and Ham Mulira, was ready and they were waiting to present it.
The report shows that it was signed by only 10 of the 20 MPs on PAC. Those who signed are Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Peter Mutuluza (NRM), Florence Kabahweza (NRM), Tom Kazibwe (NRM), Rose Namayanja (NRM), Grace Oburu (NRM), Frank Tumwebaze (NRM), Simon Euku (UPC), Oduman Okello (FDC) and Mathias Nsubuga (DP).
The 10 who did not sign are committee vice-chairperson Rebecca Amuge Otengo (independent), Tindamanyire Kabondo (NRM), Terence Ahia (NRM), Beatrice Lagada (NRM), Alex Byarugaba (NRM), Saleh Kamba (NRM) Badhul Katongole (NRM), Alex Ndeezi (NRM), William Nsubuga (NRM) and Isaac Sejjoba (NRM).
The report named several top government officials in the CHOGM financial irregularities, including the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, and called for action against them. It said the ministers will be held liable for the loss of billions of shillings.
Other ministers singled out for disciplinary action include Sam Kutesa (foreign affairs), John Nasasira (works), Amama Mbabazi (security), John Byabagambi (works), Isaac Musumba (foreign affairs), Mwesigwa Rukutana (education) and Hope Mwesigye (agriculture).
THE highly anticipated debate on the CHOGM probe report that was presented to Parliament might not take place this week, as it is not on the agenda.
Unless it is raised on the floor as a matter of national importance warranting immediate attention, the debate is likely to be deferred until Parliament reconvenes in June for the budget reading.
Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga yesterday told The New Vision that there are other pending issues, which also need to be attended to before the House closes.
“There are over four reports that have already been presented from different committees and important loan requests by the Government that we need to debate before we break,†she said.
Asked whether the CHOGM report is not one of the reports to be debated before recess, Kadaga said despite the fact that the report had been presented last week, there was business already lined up.
“I have 22 committees, which have pending reports and I will not accept you (the media) to re-organise my order paper,†she said.
The order paper includes over seven committee reports, government loan requests, ministerial statements and several bills.
The Government last week denied blocking the presentation of the CHOGM probe report to Parliament as MPs expressed fury that Kadaga had not included its presentation as had been anticipated.
They alleged that the Government chief whip, Daudi Migereko, had blocked the presentation, a claim Migereko denied.
Kadaga had earlier said since the report is huge, MPs needed to read and internalise it before debating it.
The probe into the expenditure incurred during the 2007 Commonwealth Summit was presented to Parliament by the public accounts committee (PAC) chairman, Nandala Mafabi, after it survived technical and procedural difficulties.
Kadaga had wanted Nandala to submit the report without reading the details.
However, Nandala protested, saying according to the laid down rules of procedure, the report is presented and if it is detailed, its debate is deferred.
Nandala yesterday said the committee addendum, after hearing out ministers Isaac Musumba, Mwesigwa Rukutana, and Ham Mulira, was ready and they were waiting to present it.
The report shows that it was signed by only 10 of the 20 MPs on PAC. Those who signed are Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Peter Mutuluza (NRM), Florence Kabahweza (NRM), Tom Kazibwe (NRM), Rose Namayanja (NRM), Grace Oburu (NRM), Frank Tumwebaze (NRM), Simon Euku (UPC), Oduman Okello (FDC) and Mathias Nsubuga (DP).
The 10 who did not sign are committee vice-chairperson Rebecca Amuge Otengo (independent), Tindamanyire Kabondo (NRM), Terence Ahia (NRM), Beatrice Lagada (NRM), Alex Byarugaba (NRM), Saleh Kamba (NRM) Badhul Katongole (NRM), Alex Ndeezi (NRM), William Nsubuga (NRM) and Isaac Sejjoba (NRM).
The report named several top government officials in the CHOGM financial irregularities, including the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, and called for action against them. It said the ministers will be held liable for the loss of billions of shillings.
Other ministers singled out for disciplinary action include Sam Kutesa (foreign affairs), John Nasasira (works), Amama Mbabazi (security), John Byabagambi (works), Isaac Musumba (foreign affairs), Mwesigwa Rukutana (education) and Hope Mwesigye (agriculture).