The President’s contention, according to informed officials, is that while Parliament has powers in making adjustments to the budget, it should do so in consultation and in agreement with the executive

Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday next week to reconsider the recently-concluded FY2024/25 Budget (Appropriation Bill) rejected by President Yoweri Museveni over the reallocations of Shs750bn. 

President Museveni on Wednesday returned the Bill to Parliament, requesting for Parliament’s reconsideration.

The President’s contention, according to informed officials, is that while Parliament has powers in making adjustments to the budget, it should do so in “consultation and in agreement with the executive.” 

To Museveni, this will bring harmony in the budgeting process.   

The Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesigye has issued a notice to Members of Parliament to cut short their one-month recess (holiday) and return to  Kampala to rectify the budget. 

“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 2:00pm 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.

By ChimpReports