The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has clarified that the money used to procure medals for over 1,000 current and old legislators, was secured four years ago and not picked from this year’s highly scorned legislature budget.
Kadaga together with the Presidential Awards Committee have organized a Golden Jubilee Awards ceremony for MPs who served since independence in October 1962 to October 2012. The event is scheduled for Monday, 26th September 2016 at Serena Hotel Kampala.
“Some media houses have reported that Parliament is spending 600m for the function but I want to assure the nation that the programme was catered for 2012,” She said.
According to the Speaker, the members of the 9thParliament were particularly supposed to be awarded medals during the Labor Day Celebrations of 2013 but it was postponed.
Kadaga also stressed that the medals will come with no monetary gifts. “It should be noted that there is no cash prizes attached to the medals.”
ChimpReports understands that Parliament is going to foot the bills for the venue and the cocktail for the over 1000 guests at the 5 star hotel. The Presidential Awards Committee under Ministry of Presidency shall take care of the rest of the budget.
Some of the prominent names to be awarded the medals are former army Chief of Staff under President Milton Obote’s government, Maj. Gen. David OyiteOjok, former Prime Minister George Cosmas Adyebo, former party presidents Dr. Kizza Besigye, his wife Winnie Byanyima, Ssebaana Kizito, Paul Ssemogerere, former Vice President Prof Gilbert Bukenya and Kampala Lord Mayor EriasLukwago.