THE Government has asked Parliament to bar the media from covering the committee proceedings on the Heritage Oil case, citing a court order.

Appearing before the committee yesterday, the Attorney General, Peter Nyombi, told the committee that court had issued an order to have the proceedings in camera to avoid tampering with the evidence.

"There is a court order saying that these proceedings be done in camera, and I, the Attorney General, should be the last person to breach the court order," Nyombi said.

He added that there were some confidential clauses in the memoranda of understanding between Uganda and Heritage Oil.

However, the committee opposed his position, saying the matter was in public interest and it would be good for the Government to be transparent.

The MPs also conceded that when clauses that are confidential are debated, they will always request the journalists to step out, but attend during debate on information that is in public interest.

Bugweri County MP Abdul Katuntu advised government to make the proceedings open so as to protect the government in matters of public interest.

"There are lots of writings about this case and the more information you hide, the more government will be damaged. You cannot stop people from talking; the only way you can stop them is through providing them with information," he said.

"I don't see how journalists have affected these proceedings. What is it you want to hide from them when these matters are of public interest?" wondered Wilfred. Niwagaba (Ndorwa East).