Saturday, October 11, 2008

Probe MPs; you have shamed Parliament

Editorial
Scandal begets scandal. That’s the summary description of the Tuesday meeting between Security Minister Mbabazi and the NRM members on the parliamentary committee investigating him over the NSSF Temangalo land saga. Twelve of the 15 members on the committee met Mbabazi in the office of the NRM Chief Whip where he reportedly told them that when writing their report, they should ensure their Opposition counterparts on the probe do not take advantage to damage the NRM image. He also reportedly told them that they should hold that the Temangalo land deal was an investment, not a procurement. He also reportedly told them to question why the National Environment Management Authority did not declare his land a wetland until it became a matter of investigation after he had sold it.The sale of Temangalo land to NSSF is already scandalous enough on the strength of what has been exposed so far. But the MPs investigating the controversy to allow themselves to meet one of the principal suspects under the investigation, makes it a double scandal. The MPs have put themselves to shame. Kajara MP Steven Tashobya’s claim that the meeting has no implication because Mbabazi was consulting them like any other interested party was doing elsewhere, is devoid of substance. Even assuming Mbabazi was consulting, would it be right to consult his investigators on their likely findings? Absolutely No. In fact Mbabazi was not consulting them, he was briefing them on what to write in their report and how to write it.He asked them to question why Nema had not declared his land a wetland before he sold it; he told them to find that the sale was an investment, not a procurement. Isn’t this telling them what their findings and recommendations about him should be? Basically, he was writing the report for them. If it was mere consulting, and not influencing the findings of the investigation, why didn’t Mbabazi consult the whole committee? And if he was consulting them as party members, as Tashobya claims, why didn’t he meet the whole NRM Parliamentary Caucus? Are the 12 MPs on the committee the only NRM party members?This has further dented the image of the party the members are purportedly trying to salvage. By meeting at the NRM Chief Whip’s office with Mbabazi, it now appears the party is on Mbabazi’s side. But whichever way, the meeting has ruined the credibility of the committee, its investigations and the ultimate report.

Comments

Wilson Oceu said at 10 Oct 2008, 18:34
That is spot on.What do you have to expect from people who have lost their conscience and think with other parts of the body other than the brains?. I mean the stomachs.I don't know if horrible members of parliament also have the word intergrity in their vocabulary and if atall it exists, why don't they attempt to apply it?I guess the current house of psrlisment may get into record for incompetence, Jirani what do you say?
okwasipe said at 10 Oct 2008, 07:37
mr. Mbabazi should allow the probers to do their work, as he has always said it was afair deal. Let the mps come out fairly with their report than intimidating them in the name of consulting them. Let the mps also be objective like others who have Uganda at heart, never trust a man like Mbabazi, because when he is cleared as he is trying to bribe you with ideas so that he comes out clean, the arrogance will be at it's peak. enough damage has been caused to the economy of the country. It seems the gov't has failed. There is no need for NRM to seek for another mandate to lead again, lets try other parties also i believe they can make a change considering the mistakes made by NRM. if it were me i could have resigned long time. there is time for everything, if it has come to your end please go don't force. GOD RESCUE UGANDA FROM THIS FREEDOM FIGHTRES.
Turumye Amos said at 10 Oct 2008, 06:50
Sir, i read with interest Mr. Omar Kalige Nyago's article "The elite has failed Ugandans for 46 years of independence". Where as this could be partly true, what power has the elite to enable them change the country? Given that even professors are running away from their profession to join politics.
Max said at 10 Oct 2008, 04:10
Gada,Thanks very much. I couldn't have put it better myself.
ERIC said at 10 Oct 2008, 02:12
I think those who were asking who the mafia are or is,we are at per.How can an ordinary Minister/SG/MP have such guts to tell radio stations not to host fellow ministers' talkshows castigating his involvement in theft,tell a whole party not to debate his thuggery,meet and tell lawmakers what their findings are,and he still wields power.Let me warn this govt,your omega is nearer than ever before,better pack that which you have stolen and go rather than wait to be made to vomit even your lives.AMEN.
Ntegye Asiimwe said at 10 Oct 2008, 01:50
Daily Monitor,Our Parliament misplaced (lost) its sense of shame long time ago.They are immune to shame.
Gada said at 09 Oct 2008, 22:45
Jesus taught his disciples thus: By their fruit you will know them. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, neither can a bad tree bear good fruit.The only unbelievable part here is that to this day, after all you have seen and heard, you still expect anything more from this crew. Rest assured then that you are in for more unbelievable moments: All the while the north suffered, we looked away. While Congo was raped and pillaged (4 million dead!), we drank bell lager and slept. We saw bad fruit and still believed the tree was good. Evil begets evil. The chickens will come home to roost.
adebu said at 09 Oct 2008, 19:56
Unbelievable!He is using his office to manipulate and intimidate the committe members to find him innocent! It's so SAD. It's us the Ugandans that keep losing in this Kisseka land that was originally bought using our taxes, and again sold to us. This "dishonourable man" should be out of office and in jail, and efforts made to recover our savings.

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