Summary:
- Ssekikubo emphasized that his motion is distinct from the civil court case, as it addresses different concerns.
KAMPALA: Theodore Ssekikubo, the Member of Parliament for Lwemiyaga County has asserted that the recent court ruling, which upheld a Shs1.7 billion Service Award to four Parliamentary Commissioners, has not nullified his censure motion. Ssekikubo emphasized that his motion is distinct from the civil court case, as it addresses different concerns.
“We’ve seen media reports suggesting that a certain court ruling has settled everything. Let me clarify: our motion still stands. Our requests differ from those addressed in the court ruling, so the motion remains unaffected. We, as petitioners, are waiting to be informed when the notice for debate is due so that we can prepare accordingly,” remarked Ssekikubo.
In response, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa stated, “It’s good that you referred to Rule 110(5), which gives the Presiding Officer 10 days to act. We don’t need to issue a public announcement for members to return from wherever they are; every sitting of Parliament is important. We have 14 days, and we are still within that time frame. Please wait communication will be made soon.”
The debate follows a High Court ruling that upheld the Shs1.7 billion Service Award given to four Parliamentary Commissioners. The court ruled that the funds were lawfully approved by Parliament but also called for reforms to prevent unchecked service awards. The court warned that such practices could deplete national funds, especially since those benefiting from these awards are already well-compensated by taxpayers.
The details are contained in the 12th August 2024 ruling by Justice Douglas Karekona Singiza of the High Court Civil Division. Justice Karekona also recommended that Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, take disciplinary action against the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, over the controversial payments.
“Newspaper articles and social media posts are filled with allegations of government agencies and politicians awarding themselves monetary prizes. This is common in agencies where staff are already highly paid. If this practice continues unchecked, there is a risk of depleting the nation’s coffers,” read part of Justice Karekona’s ruling.
The ruling also suggested that the Hon. Attorney General, Kiwanuka Kiryowa, urgently consider introducing a Salary and Emoluments Review Board Bill. This board would be tasked with reviewing and harmonizing the emoluments and allowances of government officials and political leaders to curb the temptation of enhancing their income through ad hoc awards.
Former Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it vindicated his team’s position that the Service Award was legally approved by Parliament. He criticized the MPs leading the censure motion, describing them as clueless about parliamentary rules and a burden to taxpayers.
Mpuuga, speaking in a media interview, urged Ugandans to think critically before making accusations, saying, “If people had used their brains and ears along with their mouths, they wouldn’t have launched an eight-month campaign to tarnish my reputation over the service award.”
“The court, in its wisdom, has ruled that any MP who doesn’t understand parliamentary procedures is just a burden to taxpayers. This ruling supports what we said from the beginning that all these matters were handled legally. Despite attempts to disrespect me, I am grateful to those who supported me,” said Mpuuga.
He added, “Following this court ruling, I will soon inform Ugandans of my next steps. Some individuals have tried to smear my image, and it’s unfortunate that they claim to be educated. However, I’ll leave that to God. The court’s ruling should serve as a reminder to use all the faculties we’ve been given not just our mouths.”
“Those who have been backstabbing me, I’m eager to see what they will say now. I will continue to fulfill my responsibilities and will not waste time on those who have tried to undermine me. They have spent the last eight months focusing on me, but that’s how things are now. I will inform the nation of my next steps soon,” Mpuuga concluded.
