Parliament — TWO MPs have vowed to lead censure campaigns against some ministers who are claiming cash shortfalls in the run to the November Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The legislators accuse three ministers; John Nasasira (Works and Transport), Hope Mwesigye (State for Local Government) and James Kinobe (State for Youths) of requesting for additional funds for Chogm activities without any Parliamentary approval. Parliament is currently in a month-long recess.

Addressing an impromptu press briefing at Parliament yesterday, Rwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo and Oyam South MP Ishaa Otto said they were ready to mobilise MPs to censure the three ministers.

"We shall not hesitate to censure these ministers as the only way to show them that there's life after Chogm. For the three ministers to request an additional Shs12 billion is ridiculous. This is going too far and somebody must be ashamed of taking this country for a ride," Mr Ssekikubo said.

"Let's not use Chogm as a conduit to defraud taxpayers money."

Mr Nasasira on Tuesday told the Parliamentary select committee on Chogm that he needs more Shs10 billion to hire five luxury buses from South Africa for the 53 heads of state and their spouses. He said the money is also needed to complete road works in Kampala and Entebbe.

Mr Kinobe and Ms Mwesigye asked for an additional Shs1 billion each to boost the Commonwealth Youths Forum and buy garbage trucks respectively.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr Vincent Ssekono however, said the garbage collection component had not been included in the initial beautification budget of Sh5.6 billion because the Indian government had pledged to donate trucks for that purpose.

Parliament in August approved an extra Shs153 billion for Chogm preparations. This was more than double the amount that was originally budgeted. The move forced the government to slash all other budgets to free up the additional funds.

Mr Otto said the absorption capacity of the additional funds is doubtful.

"Nobody should deceive us that we can use this money. It's already too late. It is embarrassing and we cannot sustain any other cash demands," Mr Otto said.

Attempts to talk to the three ministers were futile. The Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi when contacted yesterday said; "Let the three ministers explain for themselves because they know as to why they asked for the money."

The two members have also demanded that the three ministers do not spend any penny until Parliament convenes from recess to decide on the matter. "If they (ministers) proceed and get this money from finance, we shall not hesitate to take punitive sanctions against them when Parliament resumes," Mr Ssekikubo said.

The total Chogm budget is about Shs192 billion.

The figure has been solely sourced from Uganda's economy without any external support.