Leaders in West Nile have asked government to withdraw the two oil bills before parliament saying that they will divide Ugandans. The leaders led by RDCs, and LC V chairperson argue that once passed in their current form the two bills will benefit a few individuals living many citizens. They are particularly alarmed by sections 9 and 10 that give all powers to the minister to grant and revoke licenses, appoint the oil regulatory authority and determine their pay amongst other issues.
Led by Abdul Ajiga, Arua Deputy Resident District Commission the leaders that it is immoral for government to give the minister such powers leaving out critical players like the Parliament and local governments in whose territory oil exploration activities will take place. Ajiga implores parliament not pass the bill in its current form.
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Grace Goro, Koboko LC 5 vice chairperson says it is unfair to grant such powers to the minister saying they don’t represent the entire country. She wants parliament to differ the bill until through consultations is held countrywide.
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Wilfred Saka, the councilor for Oriama Sub County says both bills were drafted by selfish people who because they want to lock oil matters in the office of the minister, cabinet and the President adding that, this will breed corruption. He says the bills do not give space for institutional checks which makes the fight against corruption difficult.
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But Grace Kucyinyi, Zombo District Woman MP told the leaders the bills cannot be withdrawn since they have already been tabled for scrutiny. She says that the only available option is to pile pressure on MPs to refuse to pass the bill in its current form. She asks people in West Nile to give parliament a chance to decide on the bill saying they take a wrong decision history will judge them harshly. International Alert, a nongovernmental organization is holding public dialogues to sensitize leaders on the draft bills.
