Despite Deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma’s today issuing an order stopping any further discussions on the Shs6 billion cash bonaza that has been code-named ‘presidential handshake’, the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga insists she is the boss of the House and legislators will go ahead and discuss the matter tomorrow (Tuesday).
In a statement issued by Chris Obore, Parliament’s Communications and Public Affairs boss, nobody will derail parliament from inquiring into the “handshake “. It’s the duty of parliament to do oversight on government and the matter is of public interest.
READ: Govt blocks all Ugandans from discussing Shs6 billion ‘presidential handshake’
Mr Obore said that Madam Kadaga is a lawyer of repute capable of making sound decisions and will guide the MPs tomorrow.
Ms Kadaga has also advised the “Minister concerned” (Matia Kasaija) to prepare to provide MPs with explanations during the debate.
PRESS RELEASE
Social and Online media are reporting that there were “suspicious” movements in parliament today (Monday, 09 January 2017) ahead of the much anticipated debate on the now controversial bonus payments to selected government officials after recovery of Capital Gains Tax from Tullow Oil Company.
The House resumes tomorrow after recess and indeed a section of MPs have prepared a motion to be tabled in the House.
It’s true that the Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Ms Doris Akol visited parliament and met the Speaker. However, she had no prior appointment with the Speaker.
It’s the Prime Minister who had earlier requested a meeting with the Speaker to discuss the Legislative agenda (Bill Processing) and the performance of Ministers.
The 1st Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali and the Government Chief Whip Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa met the Speaker in her boardroom at around 4 PM.
They came with URA Commissioner General, Commissioner Legal Advisory Services in Attorney General’s Office, Christopher Gashibarake, Commissioner Tax Policy at the Ministry of Finance, Moses Kaggwa and one Mayende.
The Speaker of Parliament had no prior knowledge of the visit of the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister and the Government Chief Whip.
The Speaker and the Prime Minister discussed parliament business. When the matter of the now controversial oil bonus payments christened “presidential handshake” came up, the Speaker said the motion prepared by some Members of Parliament would be tabled.
She advised the Minister concerned to prepare to provide MPs with explanations.Signed by: Chris Obore
Director, Communications & Public Affairs,
Parliament of Uganda
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