MP Karuhanga directs bank to reverse age-limit deposit

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Ntungamo Municipality MP, Gerald Karuhanga yesterday advised Centenary Bank, to return to the Parliamentary Commission, Shs 29 million that was deposited to his personal account last month.

The money was given to all legislators as facilitation for ongoing consultation on a bill tabled before parliament by Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi.

The bill seeks to, among others, amend Article 102 (b) of the constitution by removing the 75-year age limit on persons intending to contest for the presidency.

Once amended, it could make President Yoweri Museveni eligible to contest for another term of office. At 73, Museveni would be ineligible to contest for the presidency in 2021, when his current term ends.

However, a number of opposition legislators have rejected the money branding it a bribe.

Those who returned the money earlier include the Leader of Opposition in Parliament Winnie Kiiza, Roland Mugume Kaginda, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Angelline Osegge, Muwanga Kivumbi, William Nzoghu, Medard Lubega Seggona, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi and Mathias Mpuuga, among others.

In line with their argument, Karuhanga told journalists at Parliament that the money is evil and using it for any activity tantamount to fraud.

He added that with the alarming state of healthcare services, education and public service, the government shouldn't have prioritised the amendment of the presidential age with such a huge expenditure.

A total of Shs 13 billion was given out under the arrangement.

In 2013, a section of MPs returned Shs 5 million that was given to each legislator to consult on the Marriage and Divorce Bill 2009.

In 2011, also another section of legislators returned Shs 20 million which had been released to help them monitor programme under the National Agriculture Advisory Services-NAADS.