US Ambassador to Uganda Deborah Malac : COURTESY PHOTO

The US Ambassador to Uganda Deborah Malac has urged the Ugandan government to use proper procedures in the development of its oil and gas sector so as not to fall prey to the problems that other mineral rich countries face.

The ambassador, while Speaking to a delegation on the contract, transparency and accountability in the attractive sector said that the parties involved should be aware that much as oil and gas is a very useful mineral, it can have permanent impact on the people and land and that it is not a shock that  29 of the 51 countries classified by the International Monetary Fund as “resource-rich” are actually low- or lower-middle income countries.

“The industry requires heavy investments of capital, time, and technology.  The sheer scale of these efforts to move mountains and reshape the ground beneath our feet takes great resources, and has the potential to generate large revenues.  Likewise, the costs of mismanagement, malicious or otherwise, can quickly escalate.  These revenues can be a powerful driver for corruption and unrest.  Across the world and throughout history, mineral wealth has often served to undermine democracy, create violence, and increase inequality,” She remarked.

She however hailed  the “government of Uganda for its past efforts to reform policy and law to make the extractive sector transparent and accountable.  I also wish to thank civil society actors—ACODE and others—for the engagements you have had and continue to have with government and private sector to enhance transparency and accountability.”

Read full remarks by the ambassador HERE

The dialogue was organized by the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment

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The Judiciary publicist, Elias Kisawuzi read the ruling, made by five judges led by the Deputy Chief Justice, Mpagi Bahigeine.

According to the ruling the petitioners had failed to adduce satisfactory evidence that the money was expended without approval.

The judges said they acted on credible evidence adduced before them and did not indulge in speculation or attractive reasoning.

The petitioners who include Hon. Beatrice Anywar, Action Aid Uganda, Forum for Women in Democracy Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), and Centre for Public Interest Law had sought declarations that the 20 million payments to each MP was unconstitutional, unlawful and had applied for orders that the 6.2 billion shillings be refunded by the recipients.

The petitioners contend that the money was a bribe by government to MPs to compel them to pass the abrupt supplementary budget during the campaign period.

The petitioners were represented by their lawyer Francis Gimara who later told journalists that they will have to first study and understand the judgment in detail before taking the next move.

Ultimate Media

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