NSSF probe committee starts

By Joyce Namutebi

The select committee appointed by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga to inquire into specific matters relating to alleged mismanagement in National Social Security Fund (NSSF) starts work today (Tuesday).

The chairperson Kalungu east MP, Vincent Ssempijja (independent) on Monday said that besides the information raised on the floor of Parliament, they had received a lot more from volunteers on the subject.

Last month, Kadaga appointed a five-member select committee to inquire into specific matters relating to alleged mismanagement in NSSF.

The members are Alex Ruhunda (Fort portal Municipality, NRM), Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu west, DP), Ann Maria Nankabirwa (Kyankwanzi, NRM) and Theopista Ssentongo (workers, NRM).

The Committee is required to inquire into allegations that NSSF irregularly acquired shares in UMEME and also inquire into allegations of irregularity, nepotism and unfairness in recruitment of staff at NSSF, according to its terms of reference.

The Committee was also directed to probe allegations of irregularities in disposal of NSSF assets. They are expected to report back to the House by August 19, 2014.

Ssempijja appealed to all people who have information on the subject to come up and present it to the Committee. “We shall be fair in our work. We have no prejudice,” he said.

On July 10, Aruu MP, Odonga Otto alleged that interviews were conducted by the NSSF board and PricewaterhouseCoopers for the position of Managing Director, deputy MD and Corporation Secretary.

He claimed that although Edgar Agaba was the best candidate for the position of MD, Patrick Ayota for deputy and Richard Wabwire Wejura for the position of CS, they were not appointed.

He also queried the NSSF management for procuring NSSF shares worth Sh69b from UMEME against the advice of the Solicitor General and after Parliament had recommended termination of the UMEME contract.

He also queried the appointment of IGG Justice Irene Mulyagonja’s daughter in NSSF without doing an interview.

Soon after the Committee was named NSSF Acting Managing Director, Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa in a brief statement said the Fund welcomes the appointment of the Parliament’s select committee.

“We will cooperate with the Committee’s investigation as usual and will be pleased to avail all information necessary to assist the honourable Members of Parliament conduct a fair and transparent inquiry expeditiously,” she said.

Ministry of finance spokesperson Jim Mugunga said: “The Ministry of Finance and indeed the Minister welcome any efforts geared at enhancing transparency in the activities of NSSF.”