Sebaggala Admits State House Fees

Jul 23, 2001

FORMER presidential aspirant Nasser Sebaggala has publicly admitted that he has acquired a State House scholarship for his studies in the UK.

By Kezio D. Musoke
FORMER presidential aspirant Nasser Sebaggala has publicly admitted that he has acquired a State House scholarship for his studies in the UK.

Speaking in Luganda, Sebaggala told several multipartyists at a victory party for Rubaga South Member of Parliament Ken Lukyamuzi in Busega on Sunday, that he was benefiting from the funds which, he said, were available to all Ugandans.

Present also were 'reformists' including former presidential candidate Col. Kizza Besigye. The party was organised by residents of Busega to congratulate Lukyamuzi upon his victory to the Seventh Parliament.

"We are grateful to Col. Kizza Besigye for exposing the scandals in the State House scholarship scheme. Some people like me wouldn't have known about such schemes," Sebaggala said.

"Because of Besigye's exposure, I am now also a beneficiary of State House scholarships. Many of you now know that I am going to study in the UK on this scheme," he added.

Quoting from a State House source, Sunday Vision last week reported that Sebaggala had received 2,500 pounds (about sh6.5m) from State House to pursue further studies in London.

However, presidential press secretary Hope Kivengere said State House scrapped the scholarship scheme and if Sebaggala had received any money, it could only be a contribution from President Yoweri Museveni.

"I don't know about Sebaggala's scholarship. I am also trying to find out from the President's principal private secretary, Hilda Musubila. In any case, 2,500 pounds is very little money, it can't be a scholarship," Kivengere said.

This is not the first time Sebaggala has sought for financial assistance from highly placed Ugandans to offset bills abroad. When he had to pay legal fees in America in 1998 he received $20,000 from Maj. Gen. Salim Saleh, Museveni's brother.

Guests at Lukyamuzi's victory party included Sebaggala's brother Latif , the MP for Kawempe North, and former parliamentary aspirants Anne Mugisha, Betty Kamya and Sarah Nkonge.

Besigye speaking in Luganda said that he is seriously disappointed with President Yoweri Museveni, for refusing to respond to his Democratic Reform Charter.
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