MPs to probe Uganda Telecom

Budadiri West MP, Nandala Mafabi. Photo by Racheal Nassuuna

Parliament has constituted a seven member select committee to probe the management and operations of Uganda Telecom (UTL)

A statement from Parliament said the move followed a motion passed by Parliament last week.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, appointed Okin Ojara (Chua West) to chair the committee, which will investigate the state of health of UTL and determine its economic value.

The statement said the committee will also advise on whether government should continue holding shares in the company.

Other committee members are Michael Tusiime (Mbarara Municipality), William Nzoghu (Busongora North), Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North), Paul Akamba (Busiki), Lillian Nakate (Luwero Woman) and Paula Turyahikayo (Rubabo).

Mafabi's presentation

On November 17, Budadiri West MP, Nandala Mafabi, presented to Parliament overwhelming evidence showing flaws in the management and running of the company, in which government has a stake of 31%.

Mafabi cited, non-auditing of company accounts; lack of investment in the company and several court cases against the company, as causes of the firm's eminent collapse.

"Over the past few years, this company has continuously been on a free fall that has reached alarming levels. If nothing is done to rescue it, it could soon cease to exist," Mafabi said.

Parliament also resolved that the former Minister of State for Finance (Privatisation), Aston Kajara; and the UTL bosses, Stephen Kaboyo, Moses Mwase and James Whilde be barred from travelling outside the country as the committee carries out investigations into the company.

The select committee will also inquire into whether UTL is complying with both national and international laws and requirements for communication, and whether the company is complying with NSSF requirements.

Kadaga said the select committee will report to the plenary in 45 days.