MPs attack Museveni over Chogm remarks

MPs including those on the government side yesterday accused President Museveni of being a double-dealer in the fight against corruption.

The lawmakers were reacting to President Museveni’s comments that the Parliamentary probe into misuse of Chogm funds was a “circus” as Parliament lacked the expertise to investigate. Talking to journalists from his country home in Rwakitura on Saturday, the President said the probe was being used by some people to fight “political wars”. “I left them and it has ended where it ended,” the President said.

Parliament recently absolved all Cabinet ministers, including the Vice President Prof Gilbert Bukenya, who had been implicated in abuse of office and causing financial loss. Mr Theodore Ssekikubo (NRM, Lwemiyaga) said, “He (President) himself interfaced with the committee. I wonder whether his appearance before the committee was also circus. What stopped the IGG and CID from investigating since 2007?”

Mr Ssekikubo said if the President wanted to retain his corrupt ministers, he had the choice but “not at the expense of running down the institution of Parliament.” “I don’t think it is proper to belittle the institution of Parliament. We are better off sitting together as statesmen and find solutions to the problems bedevilling this country.”

Meanwhile, Shadow Finance Minister Oduman Okello said: “He (Museveni) has become a chameleon and it is hard to understand him. Whatever he says depends on the weather and the environment.” Mr Peter Mutuluza (Mawokota) said Mr Museveni would have done better holding his comments “until the IGG and police finished their investigations.” “What we are doing is legalizing corruption,” he added.