The Clerk of Parliament has recalled the house from recess to sit next Tuesday.
This comes after the President returned the Appropriation Bill of 2024 to Parliament for reconsideration, as there are reports that he is not satisfied with some budget cuts on different government entities.
Some members of Parliament are speculating on the reasons that could have led the President to return the Appropriation Bill despite the current financial year coming to an end on Sunday. Some say this is a disrespect of Parliament, while others feel it requires legal interpretation.
“Parliament passed the Appropriation Bill, 2024 on Thursday, 16’ May 2024. However, H.E. The President has returned the Bill to Parliament for reconsideration in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 (3) (b) and (c) of the Constitution,” said Adolf.
Adding: “This is therefore to inform you that there will be a Plenary Sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, 2nd July 2024 at 2:00 pm to reconsider the Appropriation Bill 2024.”
Treasury Secretary, Ramathan Ggoobi recently accused MPs of “tinkering” with the budget estimates and reallocating funds to their constituencies.
Three legislators are already on remand in Luzira Prison for soliciting 20% of the Human Rights Commission budget increase.
Yusuf Mutembuli of Bunyole East, who is also the deputy chairperson of the Legal Committee of Parliament, Cissy Namujju of Lwengo District and Paul Akamba of Busiki County are already on remand in Luzira for budget-related matters.
The crackdown on MPs followed President Museveni’s revelation during the State of the Nation Address that he had evidence on the corrupt syndicate from the Ministry of Finance to Parliament.
“I have been hearing that from the Ministry of Finance, they collude with the accounting officers of ministries to come to Parliament working with some people there (Parliament) to provide certain funds, provided you take a share. I didn’t believe this but now I have proof,” said Museveni.