The speaker of parliament Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has given green light to Members of parliament on usage the shs 20m each MP received as facilitation during the COVID-19 fight.
Kadaga told MPs to “use the money” deposited on their bank accounts contrary to the Attorney General’s advice, and a court order staying the release of funds.
“I & most MPs have disagreed with the Attorney General’s view that none of the lawmakers can use the 20m/- on their bank accounts.” Kadaga tweeted.
Kadaga assured MPs that from a legal perspective, none of them were party to the suit and therefore, they can go on and spend the money.
She also told MPs that no one will attempt to withdraw or block the legislators’ bank accounts since it was not part of the applicants’ prayers in court. She said any bank that dares touch MPs accounts will be sued.
“I want to warn the banks that are interfering with the accounts of MPs. You will be sued.” she said.
Each of the 452 MPs received shs 20M in their personal bank accounts on Tuesday from the Parliamentary Commission, as facilitation to allegedly fight coronavirus in their respective constituencies.
However, there is a pending court suit in the High Court challenging the process through which the funds were allocated to Parliament, and an application to block the release of funds.
The Attorney General advised parliament that even if the money had been released, legislators should not spend money until the main suit is disposed of. Some MPs have since opted to sending the funds back to the Central Bank.
Parliament quietly allocated itself Shs 10bn, from the COVID-19 supplementary budget allegedly to facilitate MPs to join national activities in the fight against the pandemic.
The funds have since sparked public outrage with a section of the public accusing parliament for being insensitive to the needs of Ugandans, and acting in a selfish manner at a time when the country is battling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.