The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is seeking to acquire land from Hoima District Local Government for establishment of a regional office for monitoring oil and gas activities in the Albertine Graben.
On Tuesday, State minister for Minerals Peter Lokeris presented a motion for a resolution of Parliament to authorize the acquisition of land by her ministry from Hoima district.
Section 34 (6) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 prohibits an Accounting Officer from transferring property belonging to his/her vote without Parliamentary Authorization. Lokeris told the House that Hoima district Local Government has consented to their request and that upon the approval of Parliament, the Ministry will proceed to provide compensation to Hoima District Local Government at a rate determined by the Chief Government Valuer.
However, Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah who presided over the House deferred debate on a motion for the Energy Ministry to acquire land from Hoima district local government because “the seconders of the motion are not present in the House.”
