Minister Kasaija snubs MPs over LC1 elections

Finance minister Matia Kasaija. Photo/File

A meeting between Finance ministry officials and members of parliament has aborted, further escalating the rift between the ministry and Parliament over upcoming LCI and II elections.

Raphael Magyezi, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on public service and local government, told New Vision that finance minister Matia Kasaija was supposed to appear in committee last week but did not show up, leaving MPs stranded.

"But that did not stop the committee from sitting. We are insisting that the money is added," he said.

Magyezi said there was no apology sent to explain the minister's no-show at Parliament.

Roland Mugume, a member on the committee, said: "Maybe he has gone to consult with President Museveni."  

While finance ministry is insisting on funding the elections to a tune of sh10b, Electoral Commission (EC) — organisers of the poll are holding out for sh15.9b.

EC, backed by parliament, say the funds are not enough for the event that will see Ugandans in 57,000 village votes for their LCI chairpersons.

There has been no election for LCI and II since 2006, when Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) government challenged government in court over the legality of LCs.

Rubaramira Ruranga, then FDC chairperson, convinced court that the manner in which LC I and II elections were to be held was incompatible with the multiparty system.