Leader of Opposition returns age limit cash

Nov 02, 2017

“We want this money to go back to the government coffers to help provide services to the people of Uganda.”

AGE LIMIT | CONSULTATION CASH

The leader of Opposition in Parliament, Winfred Kiiza, and the deputy Opposition Chief Whip Roland Mugume yesterday joined the list of other Opposition MPs who have returned the money meant for age limit consultations.

A total of 11 Opposition MPs have so far returned the money. They include Ibrahim Semujju Nganda, Angelina Osege,  Medard Ssegona, Abdul Katuntu, Muwanga Kivumbi, Moses Kasibante, Mathias Mpuga, William Nzoghu and Robert Kyagulanyi.

Parliament recently gave each MP sh29m to enable them carry out consultations on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill in the constituencies.  

Kiiza said it was not right for them to accept money whose procedures were violated and never budgeted for.

"All Parliament procedures were violated; it was never in the budget. The Parliament Commission never authorised the release of this money. All its expendure directives are issued by the Government Chief whip," Kiiza argued.

The LOP said taking the consultation money would be morally wrong, given the poor conditions that Ugandans are going through. She cited the health, judiciary and education sectors as areas that are suffering due to lack of funds.

"It would be unethical for us to receive double payment. We are given money every month to go back and consult our people on several issues. I think this is a bribe," Kiiza said.

"We want this money to go back to the government coffers to help provide services to the people of Uganda," she added.

Mugume said that the people of Rukungiri asked him to return the money.

"If Parliament wanted me to use this money, they should have included it in the budget. I know it was not there because I know my emolument," he said.

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