Members of the ruling NRM party who are opposed to scrapping of Article 102 (b) from the constitution say they will not return the 29 Million shillings given to them by Parliament for consultations.
Earlier this week, a group of legislators from the opposition returned the money to the finance office at parliament.
They included among others; Angelline Osegge, the Soroti Woman MP, Muwanga Kivumbi, Butambala County, William Nzoghu, Busongora North, Medard Lubega Seggona, Busiro, East MP and the Rubaga North MP, Moses Kasibante, Opposition Chief Whip, Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda.
However, their NRM colleagues say although they are opposed to bill, they will not return the facilitation money. The Kumi Woman MP, Monica Amoding says although the 15 NRM legislators opposed to the bill initially resolved to reject the funds, they have decided to take the money and use it for actual consultations and development projects in their areas.
"The money is from Parliament, for consultations on age limit, so we have decided that we shouldn't return it, "Amoding said.
Theodore Ssekikubo, the Lwemiyaga county MP, said they can't return the money when several Ugandans are languishing in poverty, adding that he will use the money for development activities in his constituency.
Sylvia Rwabogo, the Kabarole Woman MP, says they have agreed to use the money for consultations and not return it as other legislators are doing.
Others MPs who are not returning the money are Mbwatekkamwa Gaffa, the Kassambya County MP, Patrick Nsamba Oshabe, Kassanda North, Alex Ruhunda, Fort portal Municipality, James Kaberuka, Kinkizi West and Buyaga West MP, Barnabas Tinkasimire among others.
The NRM MPs say they will unveil four more MPs from the ruling party who have joined the fight against the proposed amendment. Some opposition, MPs also say they will not return the money. Betty Aol Ochan, the Gulu Woman MP, says she will use the money to support women and youths groups in her district.
James Akena, the Lira Municipality Member of parliament, says will use the money for consultations and also facilitate LC 1 elections. Cecilia Ogwal, the Dokolo Woman MP says there is need to strategize on returning the money. She says after the money is returned, where it will end.
She however couldn't state clearly whether or not she will return the money. Meanwhile, Mathias Mpuuga, the Masaka Municipality Member of Parliament is the latest opposition legislator to return the money.
Mpuuga returned the money to the finance office in parliament on Thursday afternoon. He told journalists that he couldn't take the money since it was disbursed illegal as it was never provided for in their budget.
