NRM MPs endorse Katuntu committee term extension

It is a divided House in the Parliamentary Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) after members expressed mixed reactions on the current leadership question.

Whereas a wider section of the committee backs the decision of Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to have the committee’s tenure extended to February 20, 2019, to complete the BoU probe, another group is opposed to the move.

The proponents argue that Mr Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri, FDC) and his deputy Anita Among (Bukedea, Ind) have steered the committee’s hearings smoothly and a new leadership might disrupt the seamlessness of the proceedings and probably alter the report.

Those opposed to the extension of the tenure beyond January 13 argue that a new committee chair cannot in anyway affect the outcome of the final report.

Mr Peter Mugema (Iganga NRM) said the change of leadership should wait for the Cosase probe report to be written.
“The extension he (Mr Katuntu) requested for is not long. They (FDC) are only being ungrateful for the work he has done for both the party and Parliament,” Mr Mugema said.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Opposition party has forwarded Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa’s name as a replacement for Mr Katuntu.

The guidance issued by Ms Kadaga in a request to the Leader of Opposition in Parliament to delay the changes in the committee’s leadership, is premised on the need for comprehensive conclusion of Cosase’s ongoing inquiry into alleged irregularities by Bank of Uganda during the closure of seven commercial banks.

Mbarara Municipality MP Michael Tusiime (NRM) said the push for change of Cosase leadership is being propelled by the FDC’s internal party disagreements.
“I dislike the political undertone. When we are doing work, we do it as Parliament. If this work is going to be subdued by politics, then it is unfortunate,” he said.

The committee resumes the BoU probe on January 8, 2019, five days to the end of its current tenure.

Ms Agnes Kunihira (Workers, NRM) argued it would be wrong to change leadership at “a sensitive period” when the committee is handling a crucial matter which requires someone who has been keenly following the proceedings.”

However, speaking on condition of anonymity, an NRM Cosase member, said there would be no vacuum created by Mr Munyagwa’s takeover.

The MP said there won’t be a time when a committee runs out of tasks to handle, adding that change is natural and failure of which sets an ugly precedence.

Ms Among last week said they would only heed to the Speaker’s guidance which has already endorsed the extension.
Brig Francis Takirwa (Army) said whether there is leadership change or not, the committee members are ready to proceed with the report.

Mr Elijah Okupa (FDC, Kasilo County) said those opposed to the extension will have to seek legal alternatives.
“That matter was suspended by the Speaker till end of February and the Speaker’s ruling is final. If anyone wants to challenge it, they should follow the rules on how to challenge the speaker’s ruling,” said Okupa