Magufuli lauds Museveni over oil case 'handshake'

Tanzanian President Dr John Pombe Magufuli yesterday supported the move by President Museveni to reward handsomely Ugandan officials who were involved in various oil cases.

Speaking during the launch of the 1413 km oil pipeline which is being undertaken by the two countries, Magufuli said Museveni should offer more handshakes to Ugandans who have played a critical role in the development of the oil sector.

The oil pipeline will stretches from Hoima in Western Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.

It will cost $3.5 billion.

Early this year,  it was revealed that Museveni had given selected officials Shs 6 billion for their role in handling some of the oil cases that pitted Uganda against international oil firms.

The Shs 6 billion "golden handshake," as it has come to be known attracted criticism from

parliament , opposition political parties and civil society organisations.

Some of the officials who benefited from the handshake are Allen Kagina, the former commissioner general of Uganda Revenue Authority, Jennifer Musisi, the executive director of Kampala Capital City Authority and Adolf Mwesige, the former deputy attorney general.

A probe into the handshake by a parliamentary committee recommended that the money be refunded.