Members of the Chamber of Deputies today morning turned down the request from the Speaker and the Standing Committee on Budget and Patrimony to "hurriedly” discuss and approve a report about the 2012/13 national draft budget.

The majority of members argued they had not received a copy in advance; something they said could undermine their input in the country’s next budget. Some MPs said they had not yet received the report while others said they received it past midnight, and thus had not read it.

MP Henriette Mukamurangwa said: "I don’t have a copy yet we have the right and responsibility to endorse what we really understand. We cannot scratch the surface simply because we are racing against time.”

"We should desist from this…it must stop. What we did in the past is enough,” added Dr Ezechias Rwabuhihi. "Everything we approve we must do so after thorough assessment.”

The committee members blamed the government for the situation, saying draft budget was presented to parliament in May, instead of April as the law requires.

"They said they delayed because of lengthy negotiations with development partners. You accepted to take the bill in yet you are now questioning us why we did not give you enough time,” wondered Abbas Mukama, vice chairperson of the committee. "We worked day and night, scrutinising the draft budget.  We did it in the interest of the nation, and we think you should do the same,” he implored.

Speaker Rose Mukantabana, weighed in, explaining the urgency of the matter but her pleas equally fell on deaf ears. "I agree with you, there were delays but we must also appreciate the efforts put in by the committee. We have to be considerate and see how to proceed, "she appealed.

After further heated debate, members voted to adjourn the session and return to the plenary later today, at 3pm, for due consideration. The budget year runs from July to June.