Kadaga, Gov’t Clash over Shs10bn COVID-19 cash

By Francis Otucu

Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has defered with the Attorney General, William Byaruhanga arguing that the court order was issued after the money had already been sent and that court’s decision cannot be binding on members who are not part of the suit.

Her statement on Thursday came after the AG earlier told the House that any MP who spends the Shs20m after April 21, 2020 when court stayed the release and use of this money would be in contempt of court.

“That court order was overtaken by events. However, that court order is binding and it is incumbent to parliament and gov’t that the court order is respected contrary of which, tantamount to contempt of court,” Byaruhanga warned.

Kadaga’s argument for deferring are that; “I and most MPs have disagreed with the Attorney General’s view that none of the lawmakers can use the 20m/- on their bank accounts. (1). From a legal perspective, none of the MPs were party to the suit. (2). touching of MPs bank accounts was not part of the prayers in court. (3). The Supplementary Budget is not passed in isolation; it is a whole. Going by logic, the judge is indirectly ordering whoever got part of the 302bn/- Supplementary Budget (President’s Office, Health Ministry, Judiciary, etc), not to expend any shilling from thereof. (4). The judgement was not on MPs’ bank accounts. (5). We’ve always complained about poor legal representation by the Attorney General. (6). The cash was wired on 17th April while the suit was filed on 21st. I therefore beg to differ.”

Following a meeting with the President and the Prime Minister on the money advanced to Parliament, Kadaga said, guidelines for MPs have been drawn.

“We agreed on how best the activities of Parliament can be incorporated in those being implemented by the gov’t structures. MPs will join & be incorporated in the district #COVID19 taskforces as members. The MPs will spend the funds advanced by the commission on the interventions meant to support the national response to #COVID19 in districts. The needs of one district may not be the needs of another. Each district will determine how to use the funds,” Kadaga ordered, guiding on accountability.

“Accountability of this money shall be made to the accounting officer of Parliament with the copy to the chief administrative officer of the district. MPs will adhere to the gov’t guidelines on #COVID19 & shall not distribute food & organize meetings.