Finance State Minister Henry Musasizi expressed regret on behalf of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, over comments perceived to belittle the role of Parliament in the budget appropriation process.
Mr. Musasizi, speaking on March 28, acknowledged that Parliament holds the authority for budget appropriation, clarifying that he was unaware of the remarks made by the ministry’s permanent secretary.
The issue arose during the parliamentary session where the government presented a budget of Shs58 trillion for the upcoming financial year. Nathan Byanyima, a legislator from Bukanga North County, raised concerns about the apparent overreach of Mr. Ggoobi’s powers, suggesting that it undermined Parliament’s significance in the budgetary process.
Mr. Byanyima voiced his dissatisfaction, stating, “When a whole PSST goes to a committee of parliament and says we have no role in appropriation, I don’t see why we are wasting our time going into the budget… because we have been demeaned to nothing.”
Furthermore, he questioned the source of authority for Mr. Ggoobi’s actions, highlighting a document indicating a proposed 50% reduction in the Parliamentary budget.
Echoing these sentiments, Kalungu MP Joseph Ssewungu emphasized the seriousness of the matter, citing instances where Mr. Ggoobi failed to honor parliamentary invitations and display respect towards members and committees.
In response to these concerns, Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Anita Among, affirmed Parliament’s constitutional mandate to approve the national budget, asserting that no technical official should usurp the authority of Parliament.
Subsequently, Mr. Musasizi publicly acknowledged Parliament’s supremacy in budget appropriation and distanced himself from the comments attributed to the ministry’s permanent secretary.
“I know the PSST does not have a chance to speak on this microphone [address plenary]. I would like to invite colleagues to disregard what the PSST said… If whatever he said offended a committee of parliament or parliament in general, I would like to apologize on his behalf,” stated Mr. Musasizi.
In response, the Speaker urged Mr. Musasizi to caution Mr. Ggoobi against undermining Parliament and its committees, stressing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between government institutions.
