Former AG Ruhindi initiated oil cash bonus - Akol

 Former Attorney General Freddie Ruhindi. File Photo

The oil case bonus to government officials was initiated by the former Attorney General (AG) Freddie Ruhindi, MPs have heard.

A Parliament committee on Commissions, State Enterprises and Authorities investigating a bonus to 42 government officials has been told that Ruhindi also drew the list of the would-be beneficiaries.

Appearing before the committee, Akol, read a letter Ruhindi wrote to the President justifying what he termed as a presidential hand shake. Bugweri County MP Abdul Katuntu chairs the committee.

"After Attorney General's letter to President Museveni, he invited us at his country home in Rwakitura and directed me to propose the amount," Akol submitted.

The committee will also meet President Yoweri Museveni, the Solicitor General, Auditor General, Director Budget, Accountant General and Tax Assessors.

Others to appear before the committee include: interested MPs, members of general public, energy minister, NGO forum, Uganda Law Society, Attorney General and URA board among others.

The 42 beneficiaries included officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority, the Treasury, office of the Attorney General/Solicitor General, Energy ministry among others.

In April 2013, Uganda won a landmark $434m (sh1.5 trillion) oil tax case in London against Heritage Oil and Gas Ltd and Tullow Oil, and the Ugandan government recovered the money.

It is part of this money that was reportedly distributed to over 50 staff members from URA, finance ministry and the Attorney General's office.