By Emma Mutaizibwa, Richard Mutumba & Alex B. Atuhaire
Nov 17, 2004
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PARLIAMENT - Tempers flared in Parliament yesterday as an MP assaulted a Minister and some legislators hurled insults at the Speaker during the debate on the controversial Shs5 million Kisanja money. The explosion in the House was sparked off after firebrand Aruu County MP Odonga Otto presented a petition demanding that the Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Discipline and Privileges probes the Shs5 million inducement to MPs who subscribe to the NRMO to support a �third term� for President Museveni �On 20th October MPs collected Shs5 million offered to support certain Cabinet positions brings into contempt and ridicule the reputation of the August House,� Otto said. Bugabula North MP Moses Kizige presented a motion intending to throw out Otto�s petition on the grounds that it was not in compliance with the Parliamentary Rules of procedure. As Otto promised hell on earth if his petition was be rejected, the provocative Minister of State for Defence Ruth Nankabirwa pulled his jacket four times, to the chagrin of Otto. Trying to calm the situation, Speaker Edward Ssekandi speaking on top of his voice ordered the expulsion of Otto. He asked the Sergeant at Arms Edward Kagoye to take Otto out. But Sekandi�s intervention only opened further razzmatazz as MPs Aggrey Awori, Cecilia Ogwal and Abdu Katuntu crossed to the front bench and dared anyone who would attempt to drag Otto out. Katuntu raised his fists in anticipation of a fight. Awori shouted on top of his voice: �You took the money, you took the money, you took the money.� After the five-minute recess, Ssekandi asked the MPs to avoid being emotional. Ben Wacha (Oyam South) said Parliament should seize the opportunity to clear the Shs5 million saga that has raised eyebrows. Tororo County MP Geoffrey Ekanya said because the Speaker of Parliament was named among the beneficiaries there would be a conflict of interest, which would undermine the doctrine of fairness and justice. The Monitor on Tuesday revealed that Ssekandi also pocketed the Shs5 million. Speaking on a high tone on the dispatch box, Mabikke said the rules of Parliament could not allow Ssekandi to prevail over the controversial matter. Margaret Zziwa and Capt. Steven Basaliza jumped in the fray and shouting on top of their voices, they raised a point of order over Mabikke�s statement. But an angry Ssekandi put down his feet saying he would preside over the matter till its conclusion. She said the political transition would be rendered a futile exercise if the Executive were bribing MPs. Jie County MP Rex Achilla moved a motion asking the Speaker to put Kizige�s motion to a question but the move ran into flak. �We want to know whether the Speaker took the money or not.� Ogwal said. Meanwhile, Nsibambi admitted to a group of MPs at Parliament that he got the Sh5 million. �It is absolutely true. I ate this money. I have got this money,� he said. |
� 2004 The Monitor Publications
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