Newly-elected MPs of the National Ruling Movement (NRM) are smiling their way to the bank after President Museveni doled out Shs 5m to each of them ostensibly to ‘facilitate’ their swearing in ceremonies this week.
Over 60 NRM leaning MPs also benefitted from Museveni’s generosity.
An MP that attended the Caucus meeting at State House Entebbe told EagleOnline that Mr Museveni offered the Shs 5m kitty to the newly elected MPs after a heated debate over money-related issues-particularly the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2016 that seeks to exempt MPs transport allowances from being taxed.
With MPs furious over Mr Museveni’s letter this week rejecting the Bill, he sought to assuage their anger by dangling the Shs 5m kitty, the MP said.
“All MPs chanted Museveni oyee after he announced the offer, “an MP, speaking on condition of anonymity because Caucus meetings are closed, told Eagle Online.
On the dicey issue of the ultimate fate of the controversial Income Tax Amendment Bill 2016, Mr Museveni promised to schedule a meeting with the Finance Ministry over the matter after listening to pleas from Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to assent to the Bill. The Secretary to the Treasury Keith Muhakanizi is strongly opposed to the Bill.
MPs of the 10th Parliament begin swearing in today, with the ceremonies running up to Wednesday and the kitty from Museveni is expected to bankroll parties and replenish their wardrobes for the fetes.
MPs have a tradition of throwing parties- where their supporters are ferried from their constituencies to witness the swearing in ceremonies.
Meanwhile, President Museveni has advised soldiers to rear pigs and other income-generating activities in order to bolster their incomes.
Addressing a gathering that feted security forces including the army, police and prisons on Saturday, just two days after swearing in as President, Mr Museveni said the soldiers’ wives could help look after the pigs as the men carry on with their national assignments.
