The Governor Bank of Uganda (BOU), Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile has apologized on behalf of the institution he heads for having leaked confidential information to the media over the weekend.
Mutebile made the apology following a complaint from MP Abdul Katuntu, the Chairperson of the Parliament Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) over bleaching of the agreement that was reached between committee members and the Central Bank officials.
Katuntu noted that he was angered when he saw a copy of the letter addressed to him circulating on social media.
“Those of you who read social media, there has been a letter that has been circulating written by the Governor to me forwarding confidential documents signed by the Governor,” Katuntu said.
Katuntu was especially enraged by the fact that he has not yet officially received the leaked letter, neither has his office nor that of the Clerk to Parliament.
“It is very disappointing that you write to me a letter that is supposed to be forwarding confidential documents and it is on social media before I receive it,” Katuntu said.
“I am wondering what is going on in Bank of Uganda. I thought at the beginning we were serious to each other that everything confidential should be treated in the same way. How do you get confidential letters and documents and release them to social media?” Katuntu wondered.
In response, the Governor, apologized for the leak, noting that he has since instituted a commission of inquiry to find out what caused it.
“I am sorry about this matter. This matter was brought to my attention only about 30 minutes before I left office to come here. It’s true I signed this letter but this letter was actually not to come to you yet, it was supposed to come to you at the right time during our discussions,” Mutebile said.
He told the committee; “unfortunately, I can only say at this point in time that I have instituted investigations to find out what really happened. I can assure you that I am equally shocked by this occurrence”.