The Minister for presidency, Kabakumba Masiko has finally defended herself against allegations of stealing public property for personal use.
The minister is facing mounting pressure to either resign or risk being censured for the alleged theft of a transmitter belonging to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation-UBC. Members of Parliament are already in the process of drafting a censure motion against the minister. The pressure comes in the wake of reports that police had recovered missing UBC transmitter and Mast at Kings Broadcasting Services in Masindi that belongs to Minister Kabakumba. Police also suspects that UBC has been footing the electricity and rent bills for the minister’s radio station.
Amidst booing from other MPs, the minister stated that she was equally shocked and dismayed by the allegations of theft. In what she called propaganda, she distanced herself from the claims saying the equipment used at Kings Broadcasting Services (KBS) was acquired long before she became the minister of information.
According to the minister, stealing the masts would involve dismantling, transporting and installation, something that would raise attention. Kabakumba tabled evidence in form of a letter dated August 7th 2007 from UBC allowing KBS to access UBC mast at Kibulya in Masindi long before she became the minister for information.
She noted that it was not illegal for UBC to carry private stations on its mast. She denied reports that police recovered UBC equipment from KBS. She instead said the police picked a generator, transmission link and transmitter from the Kibulya hill, about 10KM from the KBS station. She invited police to go inspect the KBS station emphasizing that there was nothing to hide.
Kabakumba did not, however, disown KBS station. She clarified that the day-to-day running of the radio station is not her job. The KBS manager has since been at the CID to record statements. She urged MPs to be patient and wait for the police report.
After the Minister presented her side of the now controversial story, no debate was allowed because the Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah had amended the procedures by allowing the minister to make the statement as an MP.
Earlier on, Moses Ali, the Deputy leader of government business told the MPs that government is aware of the matter and police has already started investigations. But as legislators patiently waited for the government position, Ali stated that a comprehensive report shall be made next week.
MPs then demanded that the accused minister either steps aside or defends herself. Ken Lukyamuzi, the Rubaga South MP noted that parliament needs to be taken seriously having not officially received any information regarding the alleged theft. Kassiano Wadri, the Terego county legislator claimed the delay by government to state its position is a ploy to destroy evidence with the police.
Nandala Mafabi, the Leader of opposition noted that it is prudent for government to ask the minister to step aside.
Roland Mugume, the Rukungiri Municipality MP observed that Public officials should be in office to serve the public instead of amassing wealth. As discussions went on, the accused minister sat on the front bench in parliament without saying a word.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Youth MP Monicah Amoding and Alice Alaso, the Serere Woman MP noted that the law provides that a minister shall be responsible to the president and collectively responsible as cabinet. They observed that there was a possible conflict of interest by government. Alaso questioned how government can defend a minister who is accused of stealing equipment for her personal use.
