Kabakumba cleared of mast theft charges

By Vision Reporter

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Richard Butera has dropped mast theft charges against former minister for presidency Kabakumba Masiko.

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

Speaking to the press, Kabakumba said she decided to step down to show a sign of political responsibility.

Kabakumba, who read a statement to reporters, did not entertain any questions from them.

“I have enjoyed every moment of my service to my nation always mindful that I should not let down the trust bestowed on me by the President and people of Uganda. However to err is human. Even when we still begrudge the manner in which justice may have been exercised to its logical limit, it’s my humble patriotic duty and in the interest of democracy, my party NRM and indeed my biological family, I will for now give way to allow smooth and unfettered consideration of the controversy in which I find myself in. I therefore resign my current responsibility of Minister in Charge of the Presidency and Kampala Capital Authority with effect from December 14,” Kabakumba said.

Her resignation came after intense pressure mounted on her in a meeting at State House by both the Cabinet and NRM to vacate her seat.

Kabumba was accused of using a transmitter and other broadcasting equipment belonging to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), the public broadcaster, without paying for them. This happened while she was still information and national guidance minister.

Police recovered a stolen UBC transmitter from her radio station, Kings Broadcasting Services in Masindi district.