MPs to Police: Out of here

Jan 24, 2017

The committee expressed fear, that Police may misuse the money, since there is no clear breakdown on the usage of sh506b budget, which the force seeks for Parliament approval.

From (left) Deputy IGP Okoth Ochola and internal affairs state minister Obiga Kania leave after being sent out by the defence committee. PHOTO/Miriam Namutebi

The Parliamentary committee on defense and internal affairs has temporary sent the Uganda Police Force out of Parliament, for failure to provide a breakdown on how they intend to use the force's sh506b budget in 2017/18 financial year.

"We have looked at your proposed budget, and we have realized that a detailed breakdown on the utilization of the money was not given, so go back and organize yourselves," Judith Nabakooba, the committee chairperson said.

The committee expressed fear, that Police may misuse the money, since there is no clear breakdown on the usage of sh506b budget, which the force seeks for Parliament approval.

"The budget laws require that any government institution, breaks down the usage of the budget they seek, but Police seems to be taking Parliament for granted yet they very well know that they are supposed to give us a detailed plan regarding the usage of the money," Muwanga Kivumbi, the shadow minister for internal affairs said.

In response however, Felix Kaweesi, the Police spokesperson said it was not a deliberate omission, adding that a detailed budget plan, had been given to ministry of finance.

He added that details on how the police intends to use the sh506b, had also been captured in the National Budget Frame work paper, which was last year laid on the floor of parliament by ministry of finance.

"We have all the documents regarding the breakdown, we are going to table them before the committee at 4pm when we return," Kaweesi said.

The committee which is expected to reconvene at 4pm to consider the police budget, also wants the police to attach a cover letter from the ministry of finance, on the sh506b budget breakdown.

The Police team was led by Kania Obiga, the state minister for internal affairs. Gen Kale Kayihura, the inspector general of police, didn't attend the meeting.

 

 

 

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