Kampala, Uganda – A looming budget crisis is threatening to engulf Uganda’s Parliament after President Museveni returned the Appropriation Bill to the legislative body for reconsideration. The move has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers, with some accusing the President of overstepping his constitutional powers and others calling for urgent reforms to address long-standing issues in the budgeting process.
The President’s decision to return the Bill comes amid a constitutional showdown between the Executive and Legislative branches. Under Article 79(1) of the Constitution, Parliament has the power to make laws on any matter related to peace, order, development, and good governance in Uganda. However, the President has 30 days to assent to the Bill, as stipulated in Article 91(3). If the President returns the Bill to Parliament twice, it may become law without their assent.
With the President’s move, the Speaker of Parliament (Anita Among ) is faced with the daunting task of recalling the House from recess to address the issue. Failure to do so may result in a budget crisis, leaving the country without a functional budget. Lawmakers are divided on the matter, with some supporting the President’s stance and others vehemently opposing it.
Some lawmakers have accused the President of attempting to usurp Parliament’s statutory power in the budgeting process. Others have pointed to longstanding issues, including abuse of appropriation power and influence peddling within the Budget committee. These concerns have sparked calls for urgent reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the budgeting process.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are on the Speaker and Parliament to resolve the crisis. Will the House be recalled from recess, or will a budget crisis ensue? One thing is certain – the fate of Uganda’s budget and the country’s development hang in the balance.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds
