The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, has cautioned Rubabo County MP, Naboth Namanya, for attacking a minister in a viral video.
According to the video, Namara publicly attacked the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Monica Musenero for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE).
During the Tuesday plenary, Parliament adopted a report of the Select Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation on Covid-19 related research with recommendations that PRESIDE be disbanded and the minister held liable for its mismanagement.
During the session, Musenero said never before had her integrity and commitment to duty ever been questioned until now.
“Sadly, here in my own country, it is very disheartening to have to read these accusations in the media…hear comments on TV and Radio and to have to explain to my family and friends how unfair and untrue all these statements are,” she stated.
The session ended with the Speaker directing the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate Dr. Musenero over alleged mismanagement of public funds and report back in three weeks’ time.
At the entrance of parliament, as seen in the video clip, Namanya confronted Dr Musenero over the allegations.
“How can you connive with the government to steal taxpayers’ money? That’s not acceptable and we shall not allow that. Even if Parliament exonerates you, we shall continue following you. It’s sad,” he told her in front of journalists.
“How were you advising the president yet instead he’s the one advising you! And you are here masquerading as a doctor. Are you a doctor? A doctor who doesn’t know that before you do anything you should contact National Drug Authority (NDA). What kind of doctor are you? We are not going to tolerate you,” he said while pointing at her.
In her welcome remarks during the Wednesday plenary, Speaker Among said she watched “with disappointment a television clip in which Hon. Naboth Namara the Member for Rubabo County publicly attacked the Honourable Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology; Dr Monica Musenero”.
“How can a colleague attack and humiliate a colleague before TV cameras over a matter that is being handled in the House?” she wondered.
She added: “This kind of behavior is despicable and unacceptable. I am cautioning you, members, to treat each other with respect. Otherwise, I will have to refer you to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline.”
It should be recalled that the Select Committee chaired by Xavier Kyomya observed that poor financial management resulted in up to at least Shs2.06bn not being accounted for under operational fund.
However, Dr. Musenero in her defense, distanced herself from any direct handling of finances, saying all the resources were being coordinated by the ministry and accounted for by the same.