A group of voters in Nakaseke North constituency spent last night celebrating the resignation of Syda Bbumba, the area Member of Parliament from her portfolio as Gender and Social Development minister. On Thursday, Syda Bbumba and Khiddu Makubuya, the minister for general duties in the office of the prime minister resigned from cabinet following the irregular award of shillings 150 billion to businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba.
The duo announced their resignation in parliament last evening amidst pressure from members of parliament for both officials to step down or risk being forced out. Hundreds of residents led a procession in Kiwoko town council to celebrate the downfall of Bbumba. Some of the residents stormed Kyosimba’ononya bar in Kiwoko town council and downed several bottles of beer till dawn to celebrate her misfortune. They argued that Bbumba's role in the controversial award of money to Basajjabalaba disgraced her as a minister and her electorate.
Ronald Ssebuyungo, vice chairman of Kikamulo Sub County told URN they welcomed Bbumba’s resignation because many residents were disappointed by her action. Ssebuyungo explains that when Bbumba was finance minister, residents petitioned her over the sorry state of Nakaseke Referral hospital but she turned them away claiming that the government had no money but they were shocked to hear that in the same period she Okayed the payment of over 150 Billionn to city tycoon Bassajabalaba and Col. Mugyenyi.
One of the residents, Rosemary Namuli accuses Bbumba of using her ministerial posts to fuel political wrangles in the district. Namuli explains that Bbumba publically decampaigned Ignatius Koomu, Nakaseke LC V chairman last year yet she was aware that he was the party candidate. Robert Mugisha, another resident advises parliament to stop at censuring ministers but ensure that police, IGG and other relevant bodies investigate and have them charged with corruption.
They have also vowed to sign a petition recalling Bbumba from parliament on the grounds of corruption and abuse of office. In January 2012, a section of voters in Nakaseke North led by Patrick Wasswa publically declared their support for a censure motion against Bbumba. Attempts by URN Reporter to get a comment from various campaigners of the minister were futile as many of their declines to comment about her fate. While announcing her resignation, Bbumba maintained her innocence saying that the decision to compensate Bassajjabalaba was under the responsibility of the attorney general.
