Members of the parliamentary committee on appointments yesterday approved the controversial nomination of the former minister for Security Betty Akech as an ambassador.

The former minister who allegedly splashed wine and abused United States diplomats at the American Embassy in Kampala during a cocktail four years ago, was approved by the committee chaired by Speaker Edward Ssekandi.

"She was approved but she survived after many questions about her about the 'wine- pouring' incident," a member of the committee said. The source said Ms Akech reportedly denied the incident saying it was not true but admitted she walked out of the party which was organised by the US embassy.

After her approval, Ms Akech repeatedly denied saying "it was not true. I couldn't do that. Those were wrong reports," she told journalists. The source said that western Uganda Youth MP, Robert Kashaija (NRM) reportedly asked Ms Akech to tell the committee what would happen if it's found out to be true that she abused the diplomats.

In response Ms Akech insisted "nothing would be found out" because "I never fought or quarrelled with anybody at that particular time ,"