President Yoweri Museveni has written to the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, seeking clarification on the legality and procedural aspects surrounding the disbursement of sh1.7b by the Parliamentary Service Commission to former commissioners.
In his letter dated May 3, 2024, copied to the Speaker of Parliament, Inspector General of Government, and the chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus, Museveni said he has been following the public debate over the saga.
“I have been following the public debate on the service awards apparently given to the Leader of Opposition in Parliament and what you would call back-bench Parliamentary Commissioners in May 2022. A total of sh1.7b was shared out between Mathias Mpuuga and the three National Resistance Movement Commissioners,” Museveni said.
“Were you aware of these awards? Or the AG does not need to know about this. If you were aware, did you advise that it was legal? The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance told me that they only learnt about it in the news even when they are members of the Parliamentary Commission. The moral question is settled. Such conduct is contrary to the revolutionary principles of the NRM,” Museveni added.
He further said, “When we were fighting Obote and Amin, we used to call it primitive accumulation of wealth. Why? Officials under those regimes were trying for themselves as much money as possible in the quickest time possible, in the easiest way possible. We used to ask them, where does this leave your country?”
Museveni wondered, how the Parliamentary Commissioners who apparently earn more than other MPs, award themselves all that money.
“What special services did they provide? Who approved the awards? I am told that they were never discussed by Parliament or the committee on legal affairs. Find out,” Museveni stated.
The President said, “When we are struggling to find money for the roads, electricity, and other sectors that bring value in our economy. However, conduct which is only immoral and not illegal may not be published legally but politically. Advise on the legality of these awards. Did they violate the Leadership Code or the Anti-Corruption Act? If they did, what have the IGG and the CID done? Has everyone involved recorded statements? Is there an ongoing investigation? What of the DPP? If there is no legal but only a moral question, what has the NRM Parliamentary Caucus done?
Early this year, National Unity Platform President Robert Kyagulanyi wrote to Mpuuga condemning him over receiving the sh500m that was given to him by the Parliamentary Service Commission.
Souce: NewVision
