By Spy Uganda
HE.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni through his legal assistant Florah Kicoco has responded to social media concerns relating to shielding corrupt officials.
According to Kicoco, among the officials accused by netizens for being serial corruption agents include; Minister of Security Jim Muhwezi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa, Luwero Triangle and Veteran Affairs Minister Alice Kaboyo, Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Monica Musenero, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and controversial investor Pinnetti.
Starting with Musenero’s issue, Kicoco says a select committee of Parliament investigated the allegations that had been made about the misuse of funds that were meant for research and development of diagnostic and therapeutic vaccines. and the Committee recommended that a forensic audit into the misuse of funds be carried out by the Auditor General ”which was done.”
”Hon. Dr. Musenero was not found liable for misusing the said funds,” says Kicoco.
President @KagutaMuseveni has directed State House Commissioner Legal Affairs, Ms Florah Kiconco to respond to issues raised by among others; @AaronKaviiri on social media concerning the alleged shielding of "corrupt officials".
READ: The response here: https://t.co/yHEIiIXRqJ— State House Uganda (@StateHouseUg) April 15, 2023
On the misuse of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) funds, she says the investigations were initiated by H.E the President through a letter dated 5th April 2007 to then Inspector General of Government (Justice Faith Mwondha) in his letter.
She notes that the investigations involved Hon. Jim Muhwezi who was the Minister for Health then, Dr. Alex Kamugisha (State Minister), Hon. Capt. Mike Mukula (State Minister) and Alice Kaboyo who was a Private Secretary in charge of Youth affairs in State House.
”They were charged with the offences of abuse of office, theft, embezzlement, causing financial loss and making false documents by the Anti-Corruption Court,” says Kicoco.
”Hon. Jim Muhwezi and Dr. Alex Kamugisha were acquitted of the charges. Capt. Mike Mukula was acquitted on appeal to the High Court having been earlier convicted by a Chief Magistrate,” adds Kicoco, ”Alice Kaboyo was convicted on her own plea and was sentenced to a fine which she paid.”
She states that although later Museveni appointed Alice Kaboyo as Minister of State in Charge of Luweero Triangle after her conviction, the matter was considered by the appointment’s committee of parliament which approved her appointment.
”The Attorney General also gave an opinion to the effect that the law did not bar her from holding a public office. Therefore, her appointment was done in accordance with the law,” says Kicoco.
On corruption at Office of Prime Minister, Kicoco says all officers that were involved in the misuse of funds meant for refugees and other projects were investigated.
”The investigation led to the conviction and sentencing of the suspects that were found culpable,” says Kicoco.
On Pinneti’s matter, Kicoco says no incidences of corruption have been reported in the construction of the Lubowa Specialized Hospital Project.
”The project is still on course although complaints were made by some people that the project should have been undertaken by Government itself instead of getting an investor, delays in project implementation etc,” says Kicoco adding, ”however, it’s a good project which will make specialized treatment accessible to Ugandans as opposed to the continuous spending of huge sums of money on medical tourism as has been the case for many years.”
Kicoco also clarifies on the allegation against Hon. Sam Kutesa regarding the obtaining of money from a Chinese national during his tenure at the United Nations.
She says that the matter was investigated by the former Attorney General Hon. William Byaruhanga on and Parliament was briefed accordingly. ”It is therefore, a matter of public record and information can be obtained,” she adds.
