Summary:
- He stated, “We know there is a presumption of innocence. They were arrested, detained, and formally charged. There is already a case in court. The NRM cannot meet to discuss a case that is in court. That is against the doctrine of separation of powers and constitutionalism. We respect the rule of law, the will of the people, and the judiciary.”
KAMPALA: Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip has stated that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party has no plans to call a caucus meeting to discuss the arrest of Members of Parliament over corruption charges.
He emphasized that the ruling party has a strong track record of addressing corruption within its ranks.
During a press briefing at Parliament on Thursday, Obua responded to journalists’ questions about whether the NRM would convene a caucus meeting to address the corruption accusations against its MPs. He stated,
“We know there is a presumption of innocence. They were arrested, detained, and formally charged. There is already a case in court. The NRM cannot meet to discuss a case that is in court. That is against the doctrine of separation of powers and constitutionalism. We respect the rule of law, the will of the people, and the judiciary.”
Obua also refuted public sentiments that the NRM has become “a den of corruption.” He noted that the Shs164Bn Cooperatives funds scandal was uncovered by Parliament’s Trade Committee, which is chaired by NRM MPs.
He emphasized that the 11th Parliament investigated the matter and referred it for further investigation due to criminal findings.
“The resources in question were appropriated by the 10th and 9th Parliaments, not the 11th. The Speaker directed that the report be shared with relevant government organs for further investigation,” he added.
Addressing claims that the President’s refusal to sign the Appropriation Bill 2014 disrespects Parliament, Obua argued that this decision is provided for under Article 91 of the Constitution, which allows for disagreements between the Executive and Parliament.
He urged patience until the Speaker reveals the President’s reasons for returning the Bill to Parliament.
Obua clarified, “The constitution envisaged a situation where there could be dissent between Parliament and the Executive. Article 91 facilitates this process. There is nothing disrespectful about it; these are checks and balances between the branches of government.”
He assured that Parliament would expeditiously reconsider the Appropriation Bill 2024 to ensure the timely release of funds to government agencies at the start of the 2024/25 financial year on July 1, 2024.
“The leadership of Parliament is aware that delaying this process would paralyze funding for the next financial year. That is why the Speaker convened Parliament at the earliest opportunity to address the President’s concerns promptly,” Obua concluded.
