Parliament is set to retable the controversial oil cash bonanza motion as it resumes work today.
The house and committee sittings were suspended indefinitely last week when the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga adjourned business until a Court order issued by Deputy Chief Justice, Steven Kavuma was vacated.
Kavuma had issued the order restraining the house and any other institution including individuals from debating the controversial presidential handshake that saw bigwigs in government receive hefty payments in form of rewards from the US $700 million money gotten from Heritage oil firm.
Yesterday, President Yoweri Museveni who doubles as the chairman of the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM) met the party’s parliamentary caucus and reportedly informed them that he okayed the money because they (recipients) had done a ‘great deal’ in defending the case.
“If the support staff were part of the big war that saved Uganda trillions and gained US $451 million, if they get Shs50 million for their first time in life, it is okay. It was their luck that they were part of the war.” Museveni is reported to have told the caucus.
However, it is also reported that Mr. Museveni told his legislators that he isn’t against any probe from parliament but that he would welcome such an inquiry based on facts.
Nevertheless, as the house resumes work this afternoon, among the motions lined up for discussion is the oil cash bonanza that is to resurface after the petitioner of the Court order, a one Eric Sabiiti accepted to withdraw the case.
Parliament Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Chris Obore confirms to EagleOnline that the motion is to be debated.
“It is going to resurface, though I haven’t seen the order paper but let the country know that the debate will resume” Mr. Obore said.
