Debate heated up on Tuesday as Members of Parliament tasked Government to include 23 more companies among those that are to be paid after supplying goods to the South Sudan Government.
Parliament after the heated debate passed a resolution approving the Government of Uganda to enter a bilateral agreement to pay Ugandan traders who supplied goods to the war-ravaged country.
Now, the agreement signed by governments of Uganda and South Sudan seeks to pay 151 billion Uganda Shillings as debt owed to 10 Ugandan traders and companies by the South Sudan government.
Several legislators, however, say it is unfair for only 10 companies to be paid and yet several others were supplying products to South Sudan.
Hon. Onzima Godfrey said the agreement says all Ugandans, but there is discrimination on a list that had only 10 names instead of 23. “The method of selection depends on who you know. We must pay attention to all Ugandans” he argued.
He was supported by Hon. Wilfred Niwaga, who said government should be fair and pay all traders that were affected, since Uganda is actually lending this money to South Sudan.
His comment was formed by a revelation that the Ugandan Government will pay this money in form of a loan on behalf of South Sudan and the South Sudan Government, which is currently unstable, will be required to pay Ugandan with a six percent interest between five to ten years.
Aringa South MP Yorke Alioni, argued that Government should come up with a comprehensive list of those who have been verified. He says it is unfair to consider those who are seen to be powerful, while other traders who also supplied goods are left out.
According to Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, the payment of the 10 companies is just the first phase to kick start the process. He says the remaining 23 companies will be grouped in the second phase. Rugunda says since this is an agreement between two countries, Parliament cannot amend it, as it involves another country paying back the money.
Some of the 10 companies to be paid include; Aponye Uganda which is owed nine million dollars, Kibungo Enterprises which is demanding 13.2 million dollars, KK Transporters with 6.6 million million dollars, and Ropani International Company with 4.4 million dollars. Others are APO General Agencies owed 4.3 million dollars and Queens Transport, Trade and Investment with a debt of 3.3 million dollars owed.
Part of the 23 companies that have not been paid include Roko construction Company, Premier company, MFK Company, Dott Services, Gunya Company Ltd, Odyek Ejang Company Limited, Ake-Jo General Enterprises Ltd and JB Traders among others. The total for all the 33 companies would move to 123 million dollars.
There has been consistent protests by some traders that they have been left out, with only the rich and power people having their companies lined up for payment.
Parliament, however, tasked Government to look at a way of including the rest of the traders not included.