Clearing Kabakumba of transmitter theft a joke - MPs

Jul 13, 2012

MPs have asked the DPP Richard Butera to reinstate transmitter theft case against former minister Kabakumba.

By Henry Sekanjako

MPs under the body umbrella African Parliamentarians network against corruption-Uganda chapter (APNAC -U) have asked the director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Richard Butera to reinstate a case regarding UBC transmitter mast theft against former minister for Presidency Kabakumba Masiko saying her acquittal was not satisfactory.

Last week, the DPP cleared Kabakumba of any wrong doing over a UBC transmitter that was recovered from her Masindi -based radio station, kings broadcasting service (KBS) last year.  

The Bujenje County MP in December last year quit her ministerial post over the scandal and announced her resignation at Parliament in a news conference.

Addressing journalists at parliament, the MPs led by Gerald Karuhanga, chairman APNAC-U   demanded that Butera considers his decision over Kabakumba case for justice.

"The police found the mast at her station, statements were recorded and after a month you say there was no evidence, this must be a joke," said Karuhanga.

The legislators noted that it was unfair for the DPP to charge the managers alone and let Kabakumba free even when she is the owner of the radio station where the transmitter was recovered.

"We strongly denounce this action by the DPP; this fraudulent transaction could not have been effected without her knowledge as the station owner. If she did not sanction this action how did she think her radio functioned without paying for critical items like transmitters, this doesn't fall in the ambit of the station manager,"  stated Jack Wamanga APNAC-U spokesperson.

Rosemary Sseninde APNAC-U member added; "it is unfortunate that the implementers of the law are letting us down, I don't see why they should exonerate some individuals, and Ugandans think we have made enough noise about corruption but with no results".

The MPs demanded that parliament through the legal and parliamentary affairs committee, urgently summons the DPP to appear before the committee and explain to the nation the evidence he used to drop the case against Kabakumba.

"We should have the DPP appear before parliament. He should explain to us why there is no evidence and we shall show it to him," Karuhanga said.

The anti-corruption legislators also called for the amendment of the constitution to empower parliament so that it taken take action on corrupt officials.

"We should amend the constitution so there is nothing we can do as parliament we recommend and things are changed," said Vincent Kyamadidi (Rwampara County).

The press conference was also attended by MPs John Mulimba (Bugwe south), Drito Martin (Madi-0kollo) Cerinah Nebendah, (Butaleja district) Obua Hamson (Ajuri county) among others.  

 

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