Civil Society Actors condemn oil tax honorarium

The decision by President Yoweri Museveni to pay out Shs 6 billion in oil tax money to selected government officials has been condemned by a section of Civil Society Actors, who say it was done in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

Julius Mishambi the Director of Programmes at the Uganda Debt Network says the move by the government to go behind tax payers and reward a group of individuals is a sign of disrespect to the millions of Ugandan taxpayers.

Citing article 153 and 154 of the constitution, Mishambi says all public funds must kept in the consolidated fund and any withdrawal should be done with the authorization of parliament or appropriations Act, or supplementary requests in accordance with the law.

Yesterday Daily Monitor quoted Finance Ministry Spokesperson Jim Mugunga justifying the pay out to 42 government officials saying the Shs. 6 billion that was shared is less than the one per cent of the Shs 1.4 trillion the country received when it sued Tullow and Heritage oil companies for failure to pay capital gains tax.

Some of those reported to have received the cash reward include URA Executive Director Doris Akol, KCCA Boss Jennifer Musisi, Former Attorney General Peter Nyombi, and Attorney General Fred Ruhindi among others.

Written by David Kugonza