LOP Winnie Kiiza addresses journalists as Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Kaginda (left) looks on. Photo by Vincent Kasozi.
KAMPALA–The LOP has termed the funds availed to MPs for the age limit consultations as immoral.
Parliament released Shs13 billion last week for the consultations with each MP receiving Shs29m.
Kiiza announced this morning that she will be returning the Shs29m that was posted on her account. She was joined by the deputy opposition whip Roland Mugume who has also decided to return his share of the money today.
The two MPs displayed the cash before the press amounting to Shs58m, stating that the money was not given in good faith and was processed through a violation of a number of parliamentary laws.
The consultations pertain to the constitutional amendment No.2 Bill 2017 moved by a private member Raphael Magyezi, the MP for Igara West county. The bill seeks to, among others, do away with presidential age limits.
Kiiza, a member of the parliamentary commission that was meant to authorize the expenditure of the Shs13b, says the commission and Parliament itself did not authorize the payments. She said she is not aware of the origin of the money.
“I would want to know from which source this money came, under which vote and even if it was to be a virement there are rules and procedures that we follow,” she told journalists.
Kiiza notes that as a person responsible for checking government excesses, she finds it immoral to accept the money.
She reiterates a position held by other opposition MPs that legislators are fully facilitated to consult the electorate on any parliamentary matter. She labelled the funds as a double payment.
“I received pay from the Parliamentary commission for the month of October the same month this money was given. Therefore, I find it hard to explain why I have been given additional resources,” Kiiza said.
Last week, eight MPs opposed to the age limit amendment also returned the money that was posted on their accounts.
They are Angeline Osegge, William Nzoghu, Semujju Nganda, Medard Segona, Robert Kyagulanyi, Muwanga Kivumbi, Mathias Mpuuga and Robinah Ssentongo.
The MPs termed the money as a bribe from President Museveni to amend the Constitution to allow him rule for life.
President Museveni who has been in power for more than 30 years will be ineligible to stand for a sixth term of office as he would be over age. He would, therefore, stand to benefit from the proposed amendment.
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