Ocnus.Net
Uganda Probe Ministers' Alleged Corrupt Ties
By Afrol News 26/8/08
Aug 27, 2008 - 10:52:39 AM
Parliamentary
committee on commissions, statutory bodies and state enterprises,
investigating the matter, requested registrar of companies yesterday to
furnish details of shareholders in National Bank of Commerce, in which
some of proceeds of controversial land transaction were reportedly
invested.
Committee chairperson, John Odit told media yesterday that committee
wants to know whether or not Dr Suruma, has any shares in the bank.
Mr Odit further explained that committee also wanted to know if the
minister was acting in public or private interest, when he gave NSSF
go-ahead to buy land from Mr Mbabazi.
Dr Suruma, under whose docket NSSF falls, was however not available for
comment to media yesterday.
Commenting on the matter earlier on, minister had told media last week
Thursday that, "Amama Mbabazi has rights like any other Ugandan and
there is absolutely nothing wrong with him selling land to NSSF."
According to media reports made on 13 August, NSSF had paid Shs11
billion (about US$6.7 million) to buy 414 acres of land from Mr Mbabazi
and prominent businessman Amos Nzeyi, which was reportedly higher than
price advised by three independent valuation firms contracted by Fund.
More serious queries about the deal, however, reportedly rotate around
revelations that NSSF board advised Mr Mbabazi on how to structure deal
to hide his ownership of part of land.
Investigations reveal that this, in turn forced one board member to
allege that transaction was being forced through fund using political
pressure. Both Mr Mbabazi and Mr Nzeyi are said to be shareholders in
National Bank of Commerce.
NSSF officials say they paid a competitive price for land while Mr
Mbabazi has described transaction as a private matter.
No public explanation has reportedly been given by either NSSF or Mr
Mbabazi over allegations of political influence-peddling.
A member of the committee, who talked to media on condition of
anonymity said investigations have revealed that information was being
collected from various government offices about ownership of Bank and
Mr Mbabazi's interest in Arma Limited, holding company through which he
owned land.
Revelations come ahead of today's second appearance by NSSF's top
officials before committee on commissions, statutory authorities and
state enterprises, following Board Chairman Edward Gaamuwa and Managing
Director David Chandi Jamwa's appearance last Friday.
It was also revealed yesterday that Mr Mbabazi, who is also ruling
National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general, will appear
before his party's parliamentary caucus on 1 September, to explain his
involvement in controversial land deal.
Mr Mbabazi's appearance before NRM caucus comes after eight party MPs
petitioned party's Chief Whip Kabakumba Masiko last week, demanding an
explanation from secretary general.
Ms Masiko wrote back to MPs and Mr Mbabazi on Friday setting date for
meeting.
"I did raise Hon Amama Mbabazi who also indicated his willingness to
explain at earliest opportunity," Ms Masiko wrote. "I have accordingly
included it on 1 September, 2008 Caucus agenda."
She added, "by copy of this letter, Amama Mbabazi is requested to
prepare a response to raised issues for caucus' internalisation."
MPs, led by Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga), last week wrote to Chief
Whip, demanding an explanation from minister, a surprisingly strong
move against a man widely considered most-powerful party official,
after president Yoweri Museveni.
State minister for ethics and integrity, Dr Nsaba Buturo, told media
yesterday that it is now up to Mr Mbabazi and his colleagues to come
out and explain to public whether allegations made against them are
true.
"The public should remain calm but I request Mr Mbabazi and his
colleagues to come out and defend themselves," Dr Buturo said.
Public procurement and disposal of public assets authority is
separately investigating Wakiso land transaction, while auditor
general's office has said it might consider carrying out a
value-for-money audit on project.
Source: Ocnus.net 2008