MPs ask Museveni to come clear on Appropriation Bill

Members of parliament have asked President Museveni  to come clear on areas where they errored in  the Appropriation Bill which was returned to Parliament.

July, 1 is an indicator that the financial year 2024/25 has started but as it starts, the budget to operationalize government programs is still swinging in the corridors with the president rejecting assent to the appropriation bill.

Article 91 of the constitution states that the president shall, within thirty days after a bill is presented to him or her— (a) assent to the bill; (b) return the bill to Parliament with a request that the bill or a particular provision of it be reconsidered by Parliament; or (c) notify the Speaker in writing that he or she refuses to assent to the bill.

While the law states so, Shadow minister for finance Ibrahim Ssemujju says they return to no guidance as it's not clear what the president wants to be dealt with.

“We return to handle what has been hidden from us. The speaker am told does not want to give us the letter but what I gather, the president was only quarrelling that parliament is failing his development agenda. If fact he does not specify but only rejected the bill," Nganda said.

However, Article 143 of the rules of procedure of parliament states that where a bill passed by the House is returned to the House by the President with a request that the House reconsiders it or a particular provision of it or any such amendments as are recommended in his or her request, the Speaker shall read the request of the President, or if the House is not in session direct that the message be published in the Gazette.

However, the latest Uganda Gazette published vol.C. XV11 No 39 does not reveal any document from parliament.

Information privy to NBS indicates that, there have been consultations with the government legal advisor on president’s letter which allegedly does not indicate the changes he wants to be affected.

However Ssemuju says the president has left to guess what to do in the budget.

“I am actually thinking this is not about the budget but the fight for power. Why wouldn’t he state what he wants.”

While concerns range from the shs750bn re-allocation, others say the president’s bitterness comes from the source of the money which included debt servicing or treasury operations.

Several legislators are uncertain on where the errors are and who could be penalized.

However, many are concerned whether the president in exercising his duties is not overstepping his mandate and usurping the power of parliament in appropriating funds.