The Tropical Institute of Development Innovations (TRIDI) has released a scathing statement accusing Minister Musenero of deliberately sabotaging the national Sericulture Project, a multi-billion shilling initiative aimed at revitalizing Uganda’s silk industry.
TRIDI alleges the Minister’s actions, including the unlawful withholding of funds, attempts to seize project assets, and spreading misinformation, have led to arson attacks on critical infrastructure and significant economic losses.
According to Emma Walimbwa, Director of Partnerships and Capacity Building at TRIDI, the Minister’s interference began with the withholding of approved project funding for the 2022/23 fiscal year, despite multiple legal directives from the Attorney General’s Chambers instructing its release.
TRIDI claims this action, coupled with the Minister’s attempts to take over the project, directly violates court orders and parliamentary approvals.
“Minister Musenero’s recent unauthorized visit to Kween and subsequent statements represent a disturbing pattern of sabotage, undermining the project’s advancement in direct violation of legal directives, court orders, and parliamentary approval,” Walimbwa stated. “We strongly reject her misleading statements and actions that have placed the success of this project, with its immense potential, at grave risk.”
TRIDI asserts that the Sericulture Project, which has received clean audits from the Auditor General and has been recognized internationally, has made significant strides in establishing a sustainable silk industry in Uganda.
The project has established 34 operational stations, created extensive mulberry gardens, and procured advanced silk reeling machinery.
Sericulture Research and Development at Rubare, Sheema.
However, the Minister’s alleged interference has resulted in community unrest and misinformation, culminating in arson attacks on mulberry gardens and production facilities. TRIDI estimates that over 20 billion shillings worth of mulberry gardens, a crucial resource for the silk industry, have been destroyed by fire. The institute believes these attacks are directly linked to the Minister’s actions, which have created an atmosphere of hostility around the project.
“The connection between her remarks and the recent arson attacks on mulberry farms, which destroyed key elements of the TRIDI Sericulture Project, must be thoroughly investigated,” Walimbwa emphasized. “Her conduct demonstrates a blatant disregard for the law, and an immediate investigation into her role is essential to prevent further sabotage of this crucial national project.”
TRIDI further alleges that the Minister’s actions have significantly obstructed the project’s progress, leading to delayed implementation, stunted growth, and the loss of potential employment opportunities.
The project, which has already employed over 1,700 Ugandans, aimed to create 10,000 jobs, but the suspension of 43.17 billion shillings in funding has hindered further job creation.
The organization also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, citing rumors of the Minister’s involvement in starting a parallel enterprise utilizing government resources.
TRIDI has called upon the relevant authorities to enforce court orders, release the withheld funding, and hold the Minister accountable for her interference. They have also demanded a thorough investigation into the arson attacks and the Minister’s alleged role in inciting them.
Despite the challenges, TRIDI remains committed to the Sericulture Project’s success and vows to pursue legal remedies to safeguard the future of Uganda’s silk industry. The organization emphasizes its commitment to transparent and professional engagement with all legitimate stakeholders, respecting the legal process, and ensuring the success of this vital project for Uganda’s economy.
