By Andrew Irumba
There was unpaid for drama at parliament as finance minister Matia Kasaija sweated plasma while being grilled by Members of Parliament investigating the sale of departed Asians’ property.
Kasaija was appearing before the subcommittee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises to explain their role in the sale of several departed Asians’ property.
But during the
appearance, the subcommittee ruled that Kasaija is holding two public offices
at the same time. Whereas as Kasaija is the minister of Finance, he is also the
chairperson of the Custodian Board, which is illegal according to the Committee.
When Kasaija was asked whether it’s lawful to occupy two public offices he said
it’s not right.
“Mr. Chairman of this Committee, I can confirm to you that I am holding
these offices unlawfully. I beg that you forgive me.” Kasaijja said.
Kasaijja added that he was appointed by the President to both positions,
“I will seek
guidance from the Attorney General William Byaruhanga on this matter and report
back to this Committee.” He added.
The committee quizzed Kasaija why the Attorney General is always absent during the
Custodian Board meetings. However, Kasaija said that it’s wrong for the Attorney General to dodge board meetings.
The Committee also discovered that the Custodian Board has taken long without
holding meetings. Kampala Central Member of Parliament Muhammad Nsereko said;
“According to the law, the Board is supposed to sit every month. However Mr. Kasaija said that the law is strict and so it’s not a must to sit every month. But I apologise on behalf of the board members for not doing our work.” The Committee is demanding the former Executive Secretary of the Custodian Board Bernard Tumwesigire to hand over the departed Asians Property Custodian Board seal to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), something he is not willing to do.
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