By Kamadi Amata

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged MPs to uphold the dignity of parliamentary processes by debating the Finance Bill 2025/26 within the House and not in public forums like funerals or schools.

Presiding over a House session before recess, Speaker Wetang’ula formally confirmed receipt and tabling of the 2025/26 Budget Estimates, marking the beginning of Parliament’s constitutional role in reviewing and approving national revenue and expenditure plans.

Citing Article 221 of the Constitution and Section 39 of the Public Finance Management Act, the Speaker emphasized the legal mandate of Parliament in scrutinizing allocations to the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature — laying the foundation for the Appropriations Act.

“The Estimates now stand committed to the relevant Departmental Committees and the Budget and Appropriations Committee for in-depth review and stakeholder engagement,” Wetang’ula said.

He called for a transparent, committee-led process anchored on public participation, urging MPs to prioritize the strategic needs of the nation and voices of their constituents.

The Speaker also announced that the draft Finance Bill 2025, which contains the government’s proposed tax measures, had been received and would soon undergo First Reading.

It will then be reviewed by the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, which is expected to hold public hearings.

During the session, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed addressed growing public confusion over the Finance Bill, dismissing what he called a “shadow finance bill” circulated online in recent months.

“What has been in public circulation was not the authentic document but speculation. The official Bill is now before us,” said Junet, who urged MPs to focus on facts and avoid spreading misinformation.

He warned against using unverified provisions for political mileage and stressed that opposition to the Bill should be voiced in Parliament.

“If you oppose the Bill, do so here—not at funerals or before schoolchildren who cannot respond.”

Speaker Wetang’ula echoed the sentiments, reminding MPs of the solemn responsibility of budget-making.