The Democratic Party (DP) threatens to take government to court for passing the Petroleum Amendment Bill 2023 which is alleged to give monopoly power to the Uganda Oil Company (UNOC) as a sole importer and distributer of oil fuel.
Parliament passed the Bill last week amidst absence of a section of opposition MPs especially National Unity Platform members and is awaiting the president to append his signature so as to become the law.
The acting DP spokesperson who also doubles as the president of Uganda Young Democrat Ismail Kirya while address reporters at DP offices in Kampala said that if President Museveni ascents to this act, DP will have no option but to challenge it using all the possible means.
“ This Bill was rushed by Parliament; first of all it contradicts the Competitions Amendment Act which was enacted with the aim of fighting and discouraging monopoly tendencies which have adverse effects to the economy.’’ Kirya said.
He further reasoned that for UNOC to become the exclusive importer of Oil fuel will eliminate the competition were the free forces of demand and supply will be rendered redundant and citizens will suffer high prices and shortages, besides that the ‘mafias ‘will use the opportunity to manipulate the system.
He also blasted the opposition for boycotting Parliament especially during the period when important bills are brought for debating saying this bill would have been challenged .
“The opposition boycott gave government liberty to do whatever it wanted and parliament easily passed the ‘poor ‘Bill without facing any resistance.’’ Kirya said.
He adds,“ the opposition should stick to the principle is they miss plenary why do they attend the committee meetings, this is hypocrisy . He blasted them for attending the session meant to honor the slain former minister Henry Kyemba yet they boycotted the session when the Petroleum Bill was tabled’’
He also urged the opposition leader in parliament to always consult with other opposition political parties when he is planning to do something that is concerning all opposition MPs such that they can have a common stand for the success of what they are pushing.
By George Bukenya