Tempers flared in Parliament as it reconvened on Tuesday to reconsider the Appropriations Bill 2024, amidst a contentious standoff with the Executive.
Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, recalled legislators from recess to address the Appropriations Bill 2024, which had initially been approved in mid-May but was rejected by President Museveni. The President’s objection stemmed from Parliament reallocating over 750 billion shillings within the budget, which he viewed as exceeding its constitutional authority.
In his letter to the Speaker, President Museveni criticized MPs for what he termed as interference with his constitutional mandate in budgeting, citing a cumulative reallocation of 3.7 trillion shillings over the past four years. He likened this to undermining national priorities, alleging instances of indiscipline in budgeting and suspicions of corruption.
An atmosphere of suspicion pervaded the House as Speaker Anita Among sought to address what she termed an “anomaly” arising from accusations that Parliament had overstepped its bounds in appropriating funds.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, invoking Article 91(3) B of the constitution and Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, moved the motion despite disruptions from MPs. He highlighted the necessity of adhering to the Appropriations Bill as originally presented by the Executive.
During the debate, concerns were raised about alleged corruption and favoritism in the budgeting process, with some MPs questioning the reallocation of funds to projects benefiting private entities like Roko Construction.
Patrick Isiagi, chair of the Budget Committee, defended the reallocations as addressing critical unfunded priorities, citing examples such as funding for mechanization in agriculture and infrastructure development in underserved regions like Karamoja.
Prime Minister Robina Nabanja defended the reallocation of funds for Karamoja, emphasizing the need for water infrastructure to enhance food production in the region.
Ultimately, under pressure from the Executive and amidst allegations of improper budgetary reshuffling, Parliament agreed to reinstate all funds as per the President’s request.
The debate underscored ongoing tensions between the Executive and Parliament over budgetary powers and highlighted concerns over transparency and accountability in the budgeting process.
