Monitor Online/Kfm
11 September 2008
Appearing before Parliament's statutory commissions committee hearing the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) scandal this morning, Hon. Mbabazi denied that there was any fear of conflict of interest as he transferred his land to businessman Nzeyi in order to have it sold to the National Social Security Fund.
It has emerged that he declared the said land to the Inspector General of Government (IGG), valuing it at only 1.5bn shillings.
If proved by the committee, Mbabazi might be in no more trouble because according to the leadership code, undervaluation of assets is no offence. However, if fought guilty, the Security Minister is not going down alone.
Earlier, he accused Rujumbura MP Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi and some 4 unnamed MP's of political persecution.
He says the National Environment Management Authority has never identified part of his land as a wetland.
Mbabazi denies any political influence and says NSSF price was below the market price.
On the squatters, Mbabazi says he will only compensate 4 families who are currently residing on the 15 acres that he sold.
Members of Parliament who visited the land in Temangalo discovered that 25 acres bought from Minister Amama Mbabazi are in a wetland and it is unlikely that the National Environment management Authority will sanction its development.
There are also tenants on 15 acres sold by the Security Minister and they say that they were never given priority to buy the land as the land act stipulates.
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