Mutale Denies Kutesa Attack

By Felix Osike MPs yesterday grilled special presidential adviser on political affairs Maj. Kakooza Mutale over his claims that two ministers and a senior military officer were frustrating his efforts to fight crime in Kampala. Kakooza Mutale, who arrived at Parliament accompanied by two pick-up truck loads of armed guards and aides, however, denied making such statements. His aides included Capt. James Okello, the military adviser, Lt. Swaleh Barigye, the Aide de Camp, Chris Kakama, the legal officer, Hakim Asiimwe (ADC political affairs), and Chris Kyeswa. The presidential and foreign affairs committee chaired by Dr. Nsaba Buturo (Bufumbira East) quizzed the controversial officer for over two hours. He denied the stories, which were carried by both the print and electronic media. He said he was considering suing The New Vision over the story. “I did call a press conference to enable the press witness the handing over of weapons which had been recovered from criminals and terrorists, to the commanding officer of the first division. I deny the truthfulness of the story which was published in The New Vision. It is The New Vision which is responsible for what was published,” he said. But he said at an appropriate time and without being subjected to swearing an oath he would give more details. Mutale reportedly told journalists August 7 that state minister for regional co-operation Col. Kahinda Otafiire, that for investment Sam Kutesa and army MP Maj. Gen. Salim Saleh had interfered with the administration of justice. He accused them of ordering the release of suspects. The three have been summoned to appear before the committee on Monday. Speaker Edward Ssekandi and the Government ordered separate probes into the matter. Aggrey Awori (Samia Bugwe north) told Mutale that the committee had the power to arrest him. Cecilia Ogwal (Lira Municipality) stormed out of the meeting when Mutale said he answers directly to the President. “Whatsoever the circumstances under which you may wish to regard the intent, motive and purpose of this committee, it is extremely dangerous to undermine the sanctity and sacredness of the freedom of expression by subjecting it to unconstitutionally legislative proceeding which is tantamount to inquisition,” said Mutale, amid protests. He said it was wrong for the committee to base their investigations on a newspaper report, which he described as “hearsay.” At one point he demanded that The New Vision editor appears before the committee to give evidence. Mutale said, “The proceedings before you honourable chairman, are tantamount to willful abrogation of the vital sections of the fundamental human rights and freedom as provided in the Constitution.” There was drama in the committee when Parliament’s sergeant at arms Ahmed Kagoye informed the MPs that Mutale’s entourage had refused to be searched at the entrance. Business was stopped for five minutes after the chairman ordered all strangers searched. Ogwal asked whether Mutale had an appointment letter. “My appointment letter is not only available in the office of the President but also in the Supreme Court on payment of a fee,” he replied. He said his reference terms give him wide-ranging power on military and security affairs. Chairman: I hope you are not questioning the legality of this meeting. You are not taking this committee seriously? Kakooza Mutale (KM): I’m not questioning you. Chairman: Did you make those statements or not? Awori: Does the witness understand the terms of reference? KM: I do. Awori: Why are you challenging our authority? That is contempt of this committee. We can arrest you now. Chairman: It is not for you at all to question the validity of this committee: You have made statements against MPs. We want you to amplify but not to go to rights or non-rights of this committee. KM. I aver that I cannot and will not proceed at all to testify in a matter whose findings will corrode the freedom of expression and gag the press and other media. Awori: He is abusing us. Ogwal: He is being diversionary. He is making noise. This is a parliamentary committee. KM: The way forward is for parliament to respect the statement of Hon Prime Minister which promised a report to be presented by the Minister in-charge of the Presidency. Kindly discharge me from these untimely and unfortunate proceedings. Awori: We have the right to retain him till he completes his testimony. Ends