MPs demand position on Rugunda’s job
Jan 27, 2009
THE MPs on the legal committee have queried whether Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN Security Council, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, is still the internal affairs minister.
By Mary Karugaba
THE MPs on the legal committee have queried whether Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN Security Council, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, is still the internal affairs minister.
The MPs put the internal affairs permanent secretary, Stephen Kagoda, to task to explain whether the post had fallen vacant as a result of Rugunda’s new appointment.
Rugunda left for New York last week for the new job. Kagoda at first declined to comment, saying the matter was political. But when he was pressed further, he said: “I don’t know whether I can give full answers, but as you are aware, Rugunda is now in New York serving as Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN.â€
He added: “It’s you, the politicians, to sort out that. The information I have is that Rugunda was appointed to the UN at a ministerial level. He remains a cabinet minister.†He said the state minister, Matia Kasaija, was the acting minister.
Erias Lukwago (FDC) argued that it would be illegal for Rugunda to hold two positions in Government.
Lukwago demanded to know whether Rugunda had officially resigned as the internal affairs minister and as an MP.
“The committee has sat for hours to debate human rights issues but there is no minister to answer. We cannot live in uncertainty. We are waiting for the minister, but we do not know who he is. Who is the Minister of Internal Affairs?†Lukwago asked.
Henry Banyenzaki (NRM) quoting Article 165 of the Constitution, argued that a minister is not allowed to hold two positions. He also argued that it would be illegal for the minister to draw salary from two government departments.
Wilfred Nuwagaba (NRM) amused members when he said: “Anything was possible in Uganda. He can hold two positions. Nothing is impossible in this country.â€
This committee chaired by Stephen Tashobya (NRM), failed to conduct business due to the absence of the minister.
Tashobya ruled that the committee would ask the Prime Minister, Apolo Nsibambi, to explain the matter.
THE MPs on the legal committee have queried whether Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN Security Council, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, is still the internal affairs minister.
The MPs put the internal affairs permanent secretary, Stephen Kagoda, to task to explain whether the post had fallen vacant as a result of Rugunda’s new appointment.
Rugunda left for New York last week for the new job. Kagoda at first declined to comment, saying the matter was political. But when he was pressed further, he said: “I don’t know whether I can give full answers, but as you are aware, Rugunda is now in New York serving as Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN.â€
He added: “It’s you, the politicians, to sort out that. The information I have is that Rugunda was appointed to the UN at a ministerial level. He remains a cabinet minister.†He said the state minister, Matia Kasaija, was the acting minister.
Erias Lukwago (FDC) argued that it would be illegal for Rugunda to hold two positions in Government.
Lukwago demanded to know whether Rugunda had officially resigned as the internal affairs minister and as an MP.
“The committee has sat for hours to debate human rights issues but there is no minister to answer. We cannot live in uncertainty. We are waiting for the minister, but we do not know who he is. Who is the Minister of Internal Affairs?†Lukwago asked.
Henry Banyenzaki (NRM) quoting Article 165 of the Constitution, argued that a minister is not allowed to hold two positions. He also argued that it would be illegal for the minister to draw salary from two government departments.
Wilfred Nuwagaba (NRM) amused members when he said: “Anything was possible in Uganda. He can hold two positions. Nothing is impossible in this country.â€
This committee chaired by Stephen Tashobya (NRM), failed to conduct business due to the absence of the minister.
Tashobya ruled that the committee would ask the Prime Minister, Apolo Nsibambi, to explain the matter.