There is drama at the National Unity Platform (NUP) base as Mps have refused to return the UGX 40m cash handout they reportedly received from Parliament.
The money that was reportedly distributed to a section of legislators over the weekend was a token for a supplementary classified budget passed.
The budget money was disbursed for State House for classified expenditure, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, among others
Despite Parliament dismissing reports as baseless, Mps who confirmed distributing any money, the party maintains that 40 Mps who received it have declined to return it.
NUP boss Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, on Tuesday gave members only 48 hours to return the money.
However, NUP deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, says Mps who have refused to return the money are disregarding the leadership.
This is after legislators refused to follow direct orders given by Bobi Wine. The leadership at the party claims none of the members have shown up to the NUP offices to refund the cash token.
The Mps murmuring underground on condition of anonymity say it is impossible to return the money because it has already been used. They also allege that Parliament has cleared their name by disclaiming the allegations.
Just hours ago on Wednesday, the office of the clerk to Parliament of Uganda dismissed reports that 40m shillings cash handouts were given to Mps.
In a communication,Parliament distanced itself from the allegations by NUP, claiming no legislator had ever been handed hard cash from parliament except through their respective accounts.
Chris Obore the Public Relations Director said that the procedure for money to get to a legislator is through the consolidated account which is in turn remitted to an individual account.
Obore questioned why the party has decided to drag the name of Parliament in the mud instead of using the right channels to address the matter.
He implored theParty leadership to report the matter to the Inspectorate of Government for a thorough investigation.
