Parliamentary Clash: Minister Musenero Expelled During Budget Presentation

Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovations, faced an unexpected expulsion from the Budget Committee during the presentation of sector reports on the 2024/2025 national budget framework paper in a surprising turn of events at Parliament’s Conference Hall on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

The incident unfolded as Members of Parliament (MPs) deemed the minister’s presence and her intended lecture on science and innovation as premature, causing a heated exchange that led to her ejection. Despite being invited to the meeting, the MPs expressed concerns about the timing of Dr. Musenero’s presentation during the crucial budget framework processing period.

Kira Municipality lawmaker, Mr. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, took a decisive stance, arguing that while a lecture on science and innovation by Dr. Musenero might be valuable, it should occur after the budget framework paper has been thoroughly addressed. This sentiment was echoed by Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba, who deemed the timing of the science and innovation lecture inappropriate.

Efforts by Chekwii County MP, Mr. Moses Aleper, to persuade the committee to listen to Dr. Musenero were met with resistance. MPs raised concerns about special treatment for the Ministry of Science, warning that allowing the lecture at this juncture would set a detrimental precedent and demoralize other committees.

Bardege-Layibi Division MP, Mr. Ojara Mapenduzi, emphasized the need for fairness in committee proceedings, questioning the singling out of one minister for a presentation while others had followed appropriate channels. Napak Woman MP, Ms. Faith Nakut, called for an apology to Dr. Musenero, expressing concerns that the expulsion tarnished her reputation.

In response, committee chair, Mr. Patrick Isiagi, issued an apology to Dr. Musenero. The minister clarified that her presentation aimed to provide background information and enhance understanding of science’s role in budget considerations. She emphasized the absence of any disagreement or controversy with the presidential affairs committee.