Minister Ousted in Budget Committee Over Lecture Timing

Summary:

• Members of Parliament ejected the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovations, Dr. Monica Musenero, from a Budget Committee meeting, deeming her lecture on science and innovation premature during the presentation of sector reports on the 2024/2025 national budget framework paper.

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Yesterday, members of the Budget Committee in Parliament declined to hear from the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovations during the presentation of sector reports on the 2024/2025 national budget framework paper. Dr. Monica Musenero, the minister in question, was asked to leave when she attempted to address the committee.

Although Dr. Musenero had been invited to the meeting, MPs perceived her presence as premature. The leadership of the presidential affairs committee also questioned why she had appeared before them when she had already done so earlier.

The ejection of Dr. Musenero was triggered by Mr. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Kira Municipality lawmaker, who argued that her lecture on science and innovation could be scheduled for a later date. Mr. Ssemujju emphasized that the current period was focused on the budget framework processing.

Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba echoed these sentiments, stating that the timing of Dr. Musenero’s lecture on her scientific projects was inappropriate. He suggested inviting the minister after the committee had interacted with all sector chairpersons.

Efforts by Chekwii County MP Moses Aleper to convince his colleagues to listen to Dr. Musenero were unsuccessful. Mr. Aleper emphasized the importance of understanding the budget’s scientific aspects but faced resistance.

Mr. Ojara Mapenduzi, the Bardege-Layibi Division MP, expressed concerns about according special treatment to Dr. Musenero’s ministry, warning that it could set a bad precedent and demoralize other committees.

Napak Woman MP Faith Nakut called for an apology to Dr. Musenero, asserting that sending her away in the presence of cameras would tarnish her reputation. Committee chair Mr. Patrick Isiagi apologized in response.

Dr. Musenero clarified that her presentation was intended to provide background information and would not interfere with the committee’s deliberations. She emphasized the importance of understanding how science works in the context of the budget.

In the procedural background, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are required to prepare, present, and defend their proposals in budget framework papers before respective House committees. The committees then decide on the final contents of the National Budget Draft, which is presented to the entire House for final deliberations and voting.

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