Parliamentary Dispute Over Uganda Airlines Investigation
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has publicly criticized Speaker Anita Among over her handling of the investigation into Uganda Airlines. Ssenyonyi revealed that during the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) investigation into the airline’s operations, the Speaker directed that the proceedings be held behind closed doors, excluding journalists and the public.
In his statement, Ssenyonyi expressed strong disagreement with this directive. He argued that keeping the investigation private was unnecessary and contrary to the transparency that should accompany such inquiries. According to Ssenyonyi, similar investigations into other entities had been conducted publicly with media access, and there was no justification for treating Uganda Airlines differently.
Ssenyonyi also criticized the Speaker for holding a meeting with the CEO of Uganda Airlines during the investigation. He questioned the appropriateness of this meeting, suggesting it may have been an attempt to influence the investigation or shield the airline from scrutiny.
Ssenyonyi asserted that these actions indicated a deliberate effort by the Speaker to cover up alleged corruption within Uganda Airlines. He claimed that the Speaker’s interference was a tactic to obstruct the investigation and hinder the exposure of potential corruption.
Letter from the Speaker
The controversy centers around a letter sent by Speaker Anita Among to the Chairperson of PAC-COSASE on August 22, 2022. In the letter, the Speaker acknowledged the progress of the COSASE inquiry but emphasized the need for a balance between accountability and business continuity. She suggested that due to the sensitive nature of the audit queries, the investigation into Uganda Airlines should be conducted in closed sessions to prevent potential negative impacts on the airline’s operations.
Here is the text of the letter:
THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
In any correspondence on this subject please quote No..
22nd August 2022
The Chairperson,
PAC- COSASE,
PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA
Speaker’s Chambers
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
P. O. Box 7178, KAMPALA UGANDA
Plot Nos.16-18, Parliament Avenue
SP/8
Direct line:
+256-(0)414-346806
+256-(0)414-377100
General line:
+256-(0)414-377000
Fax: Email:
+256-(0)414-231296 speaker@parliament.go.ug
Parliament of Uganda, KAMPALA
RE: GUIDANCE ON THE CONSIDERATION OF AUDIT QUERIES ON UGANDA NATIONAL AIRLINES COMPANY LTD
I have been following the commendable progress of PAC-COSASE in the consideration of the Auditor General’s report for the Financial Year ended June 2021.
Whereas your inquiry into the audit queries of the Uganda National Airlines Company Ltd has elicited significant public attention, I am cognizant of the sensitivity of some of the matters under consideration and their potential ramifications on the operations of the entity.
While the audit process is integral in streamlining operations of public entities, there is a need for a careful balance between accountability and business continuity. I therefore guide that the committee adopts closed-door proceedings in its inquiry into the operations of Uganda National Airlines Company Ltd.
Anita Annet Among, MP
SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT
cc Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
cc Leader of the Opposition
