Councillors want Lukwago to clear his name

KAMPALA - A group of Kampala city councillors want Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to explain allegations that he obtained money and other material benefits from a Chinese company.

This follows a New Vision story about the Inspector General of Government (IGG) probe into the botched deal, where Foton East Africa Ltd, sought to introduce its automobiles in Uganda.

It is alleged that Lukwago’s political assistants obtained $30,702 (about sh80m) in return for his authorisation of the construction of an automobile showroom.

Foton are suppliers of buses, garbage trucks and lorries.

During their meeting at KCCA headquarters yesterday, the councillors resolved to petition Lukwago to explain the allegations against him and his political assistant, Sarah Kanyike.

“We just want an explanation on the IGG probe because councillors do not have any idea about it,” Anthony Mugume, a councillor, noted.

He said councillors have already signed a petition and have given the Lord Mayor 14 days in which to call a special meeting to clarify the matter.

However, Lukwago said he was waiting for the IGG to complete her investigations into the matter before he can react.

“The case is under investigation and in such circumstances, I cannot comment on anything. Let the IGG first carry out her investigations,” he said.

New Vision has information that Lukwago assured Foton management that he would exercise his authority to ensure that Kampala gets at least 100 garbage trucks and 300 buses.

Apart from the video of the trip, New Vision has seen a letter signed by Lukwago, inviting the mayor of Beijing city, Gou Zhongwen, to attend the commissioning of the Foton showroom.