The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Parliament Appointments Committee has declined to approve the appointment of Alice Kaboyo, as Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister for Luwero Triangle-Rwenzori region.
Kaboyo, a former State House aide is among several ministers that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni appointed to serve in cabinet on 8th June.
Before these are sworn in, the Constitution mandates parliament through its Appointments Committee to scrutinize the appointed persons by the President into public offices.
Now while appearing before the committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Anita Among on Wednesday, Kaboyo failed to have her appointment approved.
According to sources, the committee rejected her appointment basing on the June 2012 incident when the Anti-Corruption Court convicted her, after she pleaded guilty to some of the counts in the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) case.
Kaboyo who was then co-accused with three former Health Ministers Jim Muhwezi, his deputies Mike Mukula and Dr. Alex Kamugisha was sentenced to a fine of 20 million Shillings or an 8 year prison term. She chose to pay the 20 million fine.
Represented by late lawyer Bob Kasango, Kaboyo pleaded guilty to two counts of abuse of office and writing documents in the name of the former Private Principal Presidential Secretary, Amelia Kyambadde.
Court learnt that out of the 524 million Shillings allegedly advanced to Kaboyo to prepare advocacy conferences, she had already refunded 250 million. According to court records, Kaboyo advanced the GAVI funds after she had resigned her post.
The presiding magistrate, Irene Akankwasa then sentenced Kaboyo to pay 5 million Shillings on each of the four counts or a prison term of two years on each count.
“This seemingly light sentence is justified because A4 now a convict has not wasted court’s time. In the case of default to pay the said sum, the convict will serve the sentences concurrently,” said Akankwasa.
The Anti- Corruption Act prohibits someone to serve in a public office for a period of 10 years upon conviction.
This is the provision that the committee based on to reject Kaboyo’s appointment as minister according to sources.
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This is a good stance about corruption. Corruption should not be rewarded. The consequences for the culprit should be long lasting. Let us see how it goes with Jim Muhwezi, her co accused. Will it be the same outcome?
An ex-convict is not fit to be a minister. She served the punishment but can not get the title of honourable! The President has got many good people who can be ministers!