In short
According Nankabirwa, following the presidents explanation, NRM legislators decided to support the oil cash bonanza. She however, says the MPs are still concerned about the process followed to award the bonuses to the beneficiaries.
President, Yoweri Museveni has defended the Shillings 6 billion bonus payment for 42 top government officials for their role in the Heritage Oil arbitration case.
The Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa, says during the NRM caucus meeting at State House Entebbe, President Yoweri Museveni equated the money to what government paid out in 2006 to scientists who were involved in the oil discovery.
He says each of the scientists bagged US 20,000 in appreciation from government for their role in the oil discovery. Museveni reportedly explained that the Shillings 6 billion was paid out to the officers since they resisted temptations, which could have undermined the government's case.
According Nankabirwa, following the president's explanation, NRM legislators decided to support the oil cash bonanza. She however, says the MPs are still concerned about the process followed to award the bonuses to the beneficiaries.
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The NRM caucus meeting was prompted by the pending debate in parliament on the cash bonanza. Last week, Michael Tusiime, the Mbarara Municipality, notified parliament of his intentions to table a motion calling for a probe into the oil cash bonanza.
However, the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga halted debate on the matter and suspended parliament following an injunction issued by the Deputy Chief Justice, Steven Kavuma banning any discussions of the oil bonus.
She asked the Attorney General to move to court to vacate the "stupid order." Following Kadaga's directive, the petitioner, Eric Sabiiti, a lawyer with Electoral Commission withdraw the petition prompting Kadaga to recall parliament to resume work tomorrow.
It is not yet clear whether parliament will continue with the probe into the oil cash bonus. Some of the MPs pushing for the debate include Peter Ogwang, the Usuk County MP and Nakasongola woman MP, Margaret Komuhangi. Nankabirwa says they are okay with parliament discussing the matter.
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The Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa, says during the NRM caucus meeting at State House Entebbe, President Yoweri Museveni equated the money to what government paid out in 2006 to scientists who were involved in the oil discovery.
He says each of the scientists bagged US 20,000 in appreciation from government for their role in the oil discovery. Museveni reportedly explained that the Shillings 6 billion was paid out to the officers since they resisted temptations, which could have undermined the government's case.
According Nankabirwa, following the president's explanation, NRM legislators decided to support the oil cash bonanza. She however, says the MPs are still concerned about the process followed to award the bonuses to the beneficiaries.
//Cue in: "Their concern...
Cue out:...on that."//
The NRM caucus meeting was prompted by the pending debate in parliament on the cash bonanza. Last week, Michael Tusiime, the Mbarara Municipality, notified parliament of his intentions to table a motion calling for a probe into the oil cash bonanza.
However, the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga halted debate on the matter and suspended parliament following an injunction issued by the Deputy Chief Justice, Steven Kavuma banning any discussions of the oil bonus.
She asked the Attorney General to move to court to vacate the "stupid order." Following Kadaga's directive, the petitioner, Eric Sabiiti, a lawyer with Electoral Commission withdraw the petition prompting Kadaga to recall parliament to resume work tomorrow.
It is not yet clear whether parliament will continue with the probe into the oil cash bonus. Some of the MPs pushing for the debate include Peter Ogwang, the Usuk County MP and Nakasongola woman MP, Margaret Komuhangi. Nankabirwa says they are okay with parliament discussing the matter.
//Cue in: "first of all...
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