Ntungamo municipality MP Gerald Karuhanga has today returned Shs 29 million that was credited on his account by the parliamentary commission on October 24, 2017, as facilitation for ‘consultative meetings’ about age limit bill.
In his letter to the Branch Manager of Centenary Bank Mapeera House branch, Karuhanga wrote: “While I was abroad, unauthorized credit transaction of twenty nine million shillings was effected on my account. I therefore instruct you to transfer the said money back to the creditors account and any charge fees can be deducted from my account.”
Last month Parliament received Shs13 billion from the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the MPs in gathering views about the age limit bill floated by Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi, that is aimed at lifting among others the presidential age limit that is capped at 75 years. This, those opposed to the bill say, is aimed at paving the way for President Yoweri Museveni to stand for presidency in 2021 while aged 77 years, two years above the cap.
Meanwhile, addressing the press at Parliament Karuhanga said that different legislators have different opinions about the said money, and that those who believe in a better Uganda will not keep it for themselves.
“Government shouldn’t give MPs 13bn when state of social services is deplorable; candidates have been sitting for exams under mango trees, other schools can’t even afford benches for students to sit on and we spend that amount of money to people who are paid every month for consultations,” Karuhanga said.
So far 13 MPs have returned the Shs29m among them Ibrahim Semujju Nganda, William Nzoghu, Muwanga Kivumbi, Moses Kasibante, Mathias Mpuuga, Angelina Osegge, Medard Ssegona Lubega, Abdu Katuntu, Robert Kyagulanyi, Winnie Kiiza, Michael Kabaziguruka, Roland Mugume and Gerald Karuhanga.
Age limit bill is currently before legal and parliamentary affairs committee for scrutiny.
