Six Opposition MPs have returned to Parliament a total of Shs174million received for consultations on the controversial Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
On 23rd October 2017, Parliament released Shs29million for each Member of Parliament to help them consult on the proposed ‘Age Limit’ Bill.
Each of the six Opposition and Independent Members: Moses Kasibante of Rubaga North, Angeline Osegge of Soroti municipality, Muwanga Kivumbi of Butambala, William Nzoghu of Busongora North and Medard Sseggona of Busiro South carried bags of cash, each containing Shs29 million and deposited it with the Parliament Department of Finance.
The Opposition Chief Whip and Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda who led the other MPs said that the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2017, a Private Member’s Bill is costing the tax payer a lot of money when other bills processed by Parliament are not accorded the same treatment.
“The Public Finance and Management Act calls for avoidance of unnecessary costs when conducting business of the House. It is a requirement that to move a bill of that nature, you must table a certificate of financial implication,” Ssemujju said.
Busongora North MP, Hon. William Nzoghu added that they are provided consultation money in their monthly allowances and wondered why they are being given special money on this Bill.
Parliament’s Director Communications and Public Affairs Chris Obore noted that the Clerk to Parliament Jane Kibirige had received Shs13billion to cater for the consultations on the Constitution (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2017.
The Bill seeks to amend the Constitution in accordance with Articles 259 and 262 to provide for more time within which to hold presidential, parliamentary and local government council elections.
It also seeks to amend the upper age limit eligibility requirements for a person to be elected as president or district chairperson and to increase the number of days within which to file and determine a presidential election petition.
The Private Members’ Bill is currently before Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament.
