Members of Parliament have recommended that the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, resigns in the public interest over influence peddling and political interference in managing the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The Select Committee found the Minister guilty of abuse of office, mismanagement, and political interference over the Shs6 billion request and the questionable re-appointment of Patrick Ayota as the acting fund manager for the next five years.
The former NSSF Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba, told the committee that Amongi put him under undue pressure to include the Shs6bn in the budget to cater for the activities of her ministry.
According to Mpaka, the committee discovered that Finance minister Matia Kasaija vehemently opposed the idea and warned Amongi not to request this money because it would be hard to account for.
“The committee observes that the conduct of the minister in directing the fund to provide funding for the activities of her ministry as indicated above and the subsequent political pressure exerted on Mr Richard Byarugaba when he refused to provide the money…amounts to undue influence on the board by the minister,” Mpaka noted.
He added: “The acts of the minister, in this case, are illegal…The minister abused her office within the meaning of the law, abuse of office is a criminal offence…”
The Select Committee of Parliament also strongly recommended that President Museveni takes interest in the case involving Minister Betty Amongi.
The Committee chaired by MP Mwine Mpaka recommended that the 12th NSSF Board be dissolved by the Minister of Gender with immediate effect and a new board constituted. MPs also raised 28 grounds to disband the Fund’s top management.
The Committee recommends that the 12th #NSSF Board be dissolved by the Minister of @Mglsd_UG Hon. @BettyAmongiMP with immediate effect and a new board constituted: @hon_mpaka #PlenaryUg pic.twitter.com/9zgsdhryML
— Parliament Watch (@pwatchug) March 1, 2023
The Committee recommended that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) conducts a Life Style audit on the former Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba, the acting Managing Director, Mr Ayota Patrick, the Chief Investment Officer, Mr Gerald Paul, the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Geoffrey Sajjabi, Mr Benoni Katende, Mr Milton Owor, Mr Geoffrey Barigye, Mr Stevens Mwangye, Mr Gerald Mugabi and Ms Barbara Arimi.
The IGG is excepted to report back to Parliament within 60 days from the adoption of this report.
“The IGG should investigate with a view of prosecuting officers: former MD
Byarugaba, Mr William Okabo, Mr Daniel Batekereza, Ms Joanita Asio, Mr Chancemille Liki and Mr Brian Tindimwebwa involved in the conceptualization, procurement and installation of the Geo Mapping system which caused financial loss of UGX 748,861,114,” said Mpaka during the Wednesday plenary.
The Committee recommends that the @IGGUganda conducts Life Style audit on the former MD @rpbyaru, the ag MD Mr Ayota Patrick, the Chief Investment officer Mr Gerald Paul, the Chief Commercial Officer Mr Geoffrey Sajjabi, Mr Benoni Katende, Mr Milton Owor, Mr Geoffrey Barigye …. pic.twitter.com/wIgMtJo5uK
— Parliament Watch (@pwatchug) March 1, 2023