Musenero should step down to allow probe – Musinguzi

Ntungamo Municipality legislator Yona Musinguzi yesterday asked the select committee of Parliament looking into corruption allegations against the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Monica Musenero, to ensure that she steps down from her ministerial position to allow smooth investigations.

After Mr Musingunzi laid a catalogue of documents before Parliament a fortnight ago pining Dr Musenero for allegedly misusing Shs31 billion meant for Covid-19 vaccine development in the country, Deputy Speaker Anita Among instituted a committee to handle the matter.

While appearing before the committee, Mr Musinguzi said unless the minister is compelled to step aside or stripped of her current privileges as a minister, the quality of investigations will be compromised and witnesses may fear testifying before the committee.

“Therefore, I request this committee that the minister should be told to first step aside as we keep on investigating because I don’t think we shall reach  the gist of the matter when the minister is still insulated and in office,” Mr Musinguzi said.

“I am constrained to go ahead and give you more information if the minister is still misusing her office against my evidence. They are chasing away the staff [within the ministry]. They have gone ahead to close their offices in that ministry where we are getting some information,” Mr Musingunzi said.

He added: “And that minister is walking scot-free and going on TV abusing me and how Parliament is day dreaming. This is a chance and should be a Christmas gift to all Ugandans to make sure that the corrupt are brought to book.”

He also requested the committee to evoke the provisions within Whistle-blowers Act to give him protection since this is a case involving a government official.

“By offering myself, I am not doing this for any benefit but I am interested in helping this committee in finding out the truth such that this committee can reach the Parliament, President, and you all. Fighting corruption in this country is the only motive that I have. I pray that this committee looks into the powers of the Whistle-blowers Act,” Mr Musingunzi said.

In response, the committee chairperson Ibanda North MP Xavier Kyooma pledged to accord Mr Musingunzi insulation against any possible threats.

“Hon Musingunzi Yona, we shall also need evidence on the interdiction letter and that is within our terms of our jurisdiction. Assure any willing person who is willing to give us information that we shall protect that person within our means possible,” Mr Kyooma said.

MUSENERO REACTS

When contacted on the matter, Dr Munsenero intimated that the select committee was handling the investigations well.

“I really have no comment on the matter. I have no comment on that. I think the committee is doing a good job. If that is Yona’s view, that is his view. He can make that view, but I have no comment on that,” Dr Musenero said.