Bakoko should return

Jul 22, 2007

Former labour minister Zoe Bakoko is reportedly seeking asylum in the United States alleging political persecution. Bakoko left the country in February, effectively escaping arrest over the controversial Nsimbe Housing Estate in which the government lost over sh8b. Bakoko is accused of approving a j

Former labour minister Zoe Bakoko is reportedly seeking asylum in the United States alleging political persecution. Bakoko left the country in February, effectively escaping arrest over the controversial Nsimbe Housing Estate in which the government lost over sh8b. Bakoko is accused of approving a joint venture between a private company and NSSF without the involvement of the Attorney General — the government chief legal adviser.

Since then, she has tried to talk to government officials for a soft landing.

Internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has assured Bakoko of a fair treatment when she comes back to answer the charges.

A number of powerful politicians are facing corruption charges in court and some have spent time behind bars.

But it is now becoming a trend, that whenever charges are brought up against politicians, they cite political persecution, tribal sentiments or a silent fight within the NRM.

Most Ugandans had become disgusted because for years, nobody had really been punished heavily for corruption.

The phenomenal rise in the incidence of allegations of corruption being aired against people in high places to some extent contributed to the NRM’s electoral failures in some parts of the country in the past.

While under the Constitution, rights and freedoms of individuals are respected; under the same law, all Ugandans should get equal treatment.

Prosecution over corruption not so long ago was almost unheard of. But Ugandans are happy that the chances of the corrupt getting punished judicially appear brighter today than at any point in the past.
Rather than wait and be brought back handcuffed, Bakoko should voluntarily return and face the courts. If indeed she is clean as she claims, she will be set free.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});