PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S 3 MILLION CASH GIFT TO MPs BREWS CONTROVERSY

A cross section of Ugandan Law Makers from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), independents, and opposition parties have allegedly received a sum of UGX100 million (Ksh 3M) each from President Yoweri Museveni as a reward.

Reports state that the NRM MPs collected the money from the Office of the Government Chief Whip at Parliament between 8pm and 9pm on April 7, while the rest received theirs from the House Speaker's , Anita Among, Nakasero residence.

Sources furthered that the handout was issued as a token of appreciation from the head of state to MPs as a commendation for"good behavior" and to settle their financial struggle, some MPs had allegedly appealed directly to the president for financial support.

However, parliament's administration rid itself from the claims, "I am not aware of anything like that, you are breaking news to me. There are clear channels on how MPs receive their money and besides that, we don't know anything," Ms Grace Gidudu, the Assistant Director, CPA said at parliament.

Joseph Sabiti, the Communications Officer at the Office of the Speaker, also refuted the claims emphasizing that Parliament follows formal protocols when disbursing any funds to MPs.

This cash handout instance just comes after the Cabinet ratified the controversial UPDF Amendment Act, which is to face stiff resistance from opposition MPs.

Joel Ssenyonyi , Leader of the Opposition in Parliament warned the members of his National Unity Platform (NUP) against receiving the handout.

"We have been hearing about this move by the government to award MPs, especially from NRM and some opposition basically to thank them for passing the controversial Coffee Bill and prepare grounds for the upcoming controversial coffee amendment," Ssenyonyi stated.

The developments raises concerns about the independence of the legislative arm of government and the accountability of the state in using the Country's resources. Speculations have it that this might be a strategic move by President Museveni to twist the hand of the opposition towards working according to his will.