Newly elected Members of the Parliament of Uganda suspended journalists from recording Parliamentary proceedings this week, to discuss their personal welfare including tax breaks, increased pay and interest free loans at the cost of the tax payer.

From our correspondent in Kampala, Uganda

The act has sparked off outrage from the general public and political circles, according Ms Ann Mugisha a lead member of opposition Activists for Change (A4C) the MPs demand are outrageous and deserve to be condemned in the strongest terms possible.

Photo: RNW

Cushion
“We can not stomach this any more! How can MPs demand an increase their pay at a time when Ugandans are burdened by endemic government corruption and struggling to have one meal a day due to soaring food and fuel prices? She asks. Adding: “It is an outrage which concerned citizens must condemn”.

In a petition to the leader of opposition in parliament, the leader of the pressure group states: “I am writing to express my outrage at the news that Members of Parliament are seeking to increase their emoluments in the face of rising inflation. Softer loans and tax free luxury vehicles for themselves; advance payments of up to UGX 50million (Euro 120,000) each to cushion themselves from high interest rates that the rest of us pay to get a bank loan and; An increase in their pay checks to buffer themselves from double digit inflation”. But facts so far tell that not only MP’s from the ruling party, but also members from the opposition show great eagerness to receive a higher pay check.

Tension
In the wake of soaring food and fuel prices, the public lead by some position leaders, took to the streets of Kampala last month, demonstrating against the rising cost of living. These protests resulted in heavy clashes with police and army units, leaving tens dead and hundreds crippled from the injuries sustained during the crack down.

The walk to work campaign is the first political attempt that has shaken president Museveni’s 25year rule. Since Mr. Museveni who took over power in 1986, had never experienced a civil disobedience of this magnitude.

Mr. Mugisha Arnold a political analyst from Makarere University in Kampala says president Museveni’s government faces a stiff challenge from the civil rebellion, unlike the armed protests that he has been fighting. “The only thing the Ugandan opposition should do is get organized. If they do that, I can tell you defeating Mr. Museveni is the easiest thing one can ever think of. You can see how he was handling the protesters, he is used to shooting rebels in the jungles, so if the opposition can only maintain peaceful protests you will see Museveni’s government fall over night” Mugisha adds.

Defeat in court
Earlier this week president Museveni’s government suffered a defeat in court against five people; it had dragged to court over walk to work protests. The five included three legislators, who were charged with inciting violence and failure to comply with lawful orders of police during the walk-to-work protests.

A lower court of a Chief Magistrate in Nakawa municipality, Kampala city dismissed the charges against legislators Abdu Katuntu, Jack Sabiti and Wafula Oguttu. The three, were jointly charged with two students, Ms Peace Kansiime and Fiona Busingye. In his ruling, Magistrate Charles Sserubuga says the case had been fixed many times for hearing, but state prosecutors could not turn up.

The Daily Monitor news paper quoted Mr. Sserubuga as saying, “As conceded by the State, the three accused persons have serious national responsibilities. Justice dictates that their time should not be wasted in vain by coming to court and then the case does not take off,” Mr Sserubuga ruled.