By Gad Masereka
Kampala: Rubaga North Legislator Hon Moses Kasibante was the first to appear before the House Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline as a witness pinning Security Minister, Gen. Elly Tumwine of undermining the legislature.
Kasibante presented a transcript of an interview that Gen. Tumwine allegedly gave to a local radio station Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) in which he claims the Minister spoke disparagingly about the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
He said, Gen Tumwine has a long history of
disrespecting Parliament singling out his reported defiance against
instructions to vacate Nommo Gallery, including payment of Shs1.3b to the
Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in rent arrears.
“His compliance with the decisions of Parliament must be checked… he rubbished
the order to vacate the gallery by Parliament,” said Kasibante.
Hon Kenneth Ongalo-Obote the Committee Chairperson said the witnesses are expected to furnish the Committee with details of evidence pinning Gen Tumwine over contempt of Parliament.
Hon. Ongalo-Obote said the Committee “should not be seen to be driving towards a certain conclusion but we shall be fair to all parties before any decision is made”.
The Committee also viewed footage of an alleged altercation between MP Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo) and Gen Tumwine.
In a recent plenary sitting, Honorable Cecilia Ogwal alleged that during the Seventh Parliament, Gen Tumwine drew a gun at her in Parliament, a claim Gen Tumwine denied.
Ogwal said, the two later met in the opposition division lobby, where Gen Tumwine was alleged to have confronted and assaulted Cecilia Ogwal over the gun claims.
Parliament was debating a matter raised by MP Atkins Katushabe (FDC, Bukonjo West), who said Gen Tumwine belittled Speaker Kadaga at a public function.
The new claims fired up Parliament with Gen Tumwine
again being referred to the Committee for investigation over the latest
accusations.
The Committee is now dealing with both contempt cases against Gen Tumwine.
Last week, Gen Tumwine held a news conference in
Mbarara, where he called MP Ogwal a liar, and said Parliament condemned him
unheard.
He, however, promised to appear before the Committee to defend himself against
the claims.
MP Cecilia Ogwal appears Wednesday together with MP Katushabe, closing witness testimonies.
Thereafter, Gen Tumwine will be expected to make his rebuttal.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga instructed the Committee to deal with the matter in two weeks.
