Kutesa, Muhwezi 'Can Be Appointed Ministers'

THE newly appointed Attorney General, Francis Ayume, has said former ministers censured in the sixth Parliament are eligible for re-appointment as ministers, reports Felix Osike. Ayume, who was sworn in yesterday told The New Vision that there was no legal provision barring former ministers Sam Kutesa and Brig. Jim Muhwezi from being re-appointed ministers. "Those who were censured received their punishment and served it in full according to the proceedings of Parliament. I don't see any law which stops them from being re-appointed," said Ayume. There were press reports yesterday that the new Members of Parliament were divided on whether Parliament should endorse re-appointment of censured ministers. The new members are reportedly being lobbied by some outspoken members of the last Parliament who bounced back. Muhwezi was censured for allegedly amassing unexplained wealth while Kutesa faced the wrath of the House for alleged abuse of office and conflict of interest. Both of them denied the allegations and blamed their jeopardy on petty intrigue. Muhwezi yesterday described the censure process as grossly unfair and a travesty of justice. "The censures were done irregularly. We did not have rules of procedure for censure that time, " he said. Ends