Mercy Nalugo, Agness Nandutu & Jacent Namuyiga
2 June 2006
Parliament — MPS yesterday said the Global Fund report would act as a litmus test to demonstrate how committed President Yoweri Museveni is to fight corruption.
Several MPs who Daily Monitor talked to at Parliament said the commission's report into the mismanagement of the Global Fund should be made a public document and its recommendations implemented immediately.
MP Wadri Kasiano (Terego) said the implementation of the report is a test paper for Museveni to prove to the public that he is committed to fighting corruption.
"I am not surprised that Ogoola's report has glaringly and deeply pinned Muhwezi. That should not be the end. We have high hopes and trust that Museveni who instituted this commission would implement the report to prove that he has adopted the strategy of zero tolerance to corruption," he said.
Muhwezi is former Health Minister.
Justice James Ogoola unveiled his Commission report into the mismanagement of the Global Fund pinning former health ministers Muhwezi and Alex Kamugisha.
The report was handed over to Museveni on Wednesday.
The report holds Muhwezi responsible for wrongly choosing Dr Muhebwa as the head of the Global Fund project.
According to the report, Kamugisha formerly in charge of Primary health care "Should take responsibility for influencing the appointment of his son, Julius Mugisha in the PMU".
Lubaga North MP, Ms Betti Olive Kamya said the government should act fast and prosecute whoever was mentioned in the report as having mismanaged the fund.
"If Museveni wants Ugandans and the international community to take him serious on fighting corruption, this is an excellent opportunity," Kamya said.
Mr Charles Angiro (Erute North) said, "Muhwezi should have been in Luzira Prison as we speak. He is as dangerous as Kony. Kony (LRA rebel leader) kills by the sword but he has killed by denying HIV positive Ugandans' health services."
Mr Mike Ocula, (Kilak County) said a number of reports have been handed over to the President with no action taken.
Kibaale MP Frank Tumwebaze said the government should always define what to do with donor money and put in place mechanisms of spending it.
He said the fund is meant for providing services nearer to the HIV/Aids patients and not being distributed to non-beneficiaries.
Geoffrey Ekanya (Tororo Municipality) said the commission was constituted of impeccable Ugandans therefore its recommendations should be considered by the DPP and have the culprits punished.
Latif Ssebaggala (Kawempe North) concurred with Ekanya.
James Kakooza (Kabula) said the NRM would punish its culprits as per its code of conduct.
The newly appointed Minister Mr Simon D'janga said, "Though I have hope and confidence that Museveni who instituted the commission would implement the report, it is my wish that he implements."
Mr Asuman Mugenyi (Bugabula South) said, "Government should this time act promptly. There has been a tradition of inquiries and inquiries without action but this time our leader should show the world that he is serious with wiping corruption."
During the Labour Day celebrations at Kololo, Museveni vowed to fight corruption and strongly warned members of the NRM party against being corrupt.
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