Charging me is risky, says Makubuya

By Vision  Reporter

The Minister for General Duties in the Prime  Minister’s office, Prof. Khiddu Makubuya, has warned against his prosecution.

This is in connection with the decisions Makubuya made regarding businessman  Hassan Basajjabalaba’s compensation claims while he was Attorney  General.

Makubuya argues that Makubuya argues that his prosecution would put all the transactions he handled as Attorney General at risk.

The transactions include the oil agreements and those related to the Bujagali power dam. The Police criminal Investigations department is investigating Makubuya’s role in the payment of over sh142b in compensation to Basajjabalaba’s companies .

In a February 6 letter to President Yoweri Museveni, Makubuya stated that the power to process compensations is embedded in the Constitution and buttressed by Cabinet.

He explained that the approval of the compensation arrangements by the AG did not violate accounting procedures.
“The principal complainant against me was given as the Attorney General. I am being investigated for alleged insubordination, abuse of office and causing financial loss.

I am subject of the law of Uganda, including criminal law. However, other considerations may be called into play to have a complete picture,” warned Makubuya.

The letter was copied to Vice-President Edward Ssekandi and Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi Makubuya told President Museveni that it would be unavoidable for the principal complainant to testify against him.

“More disturbingly, the incumbent Attorney General is testifying against his immediate predecessor in office.

The incumbent Attorney General will have to subject himself to cross-examination at my trial. Some truths about the office may inevitably come out,” Makubuya warned.

“This will be good news for open methods of work and open society. But where does it leave the office of the Attorney General?” he asked.

Makubuya warned that other transactions that could be rechecked include the work of the committee on the prerogative of mercy in which the Attorney General is the chairperson.

The other transaction is the work of the Judicial Service Commission where the Attorney General is a mandatory  member.
He said the legal scenario where the Attorney General is put on trial for acts of the Government is unprecedented in the Commonwealth and wondered how it would play out.

“I am sure the Heavens will not fall because Khiddu Makubuya, the former Attorney General, is put on trial for official acts,” he said.