Mubarak Munyagwa, the Kawempe South Member of Parliament has finally assumed the leadership of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises-COSASE. He replaces Abdul Katuntu, the Bugweri County MP who was dropped by the Leader of Opposition.
COSASE is one of the four accountability committees of parliament mandated to examine the audited accounts by the Auditor General detailing the appropriation of government funds to different Commissions, authorities and enterprises. While handing over to Munyagwa on Monday afternoon, Katuntu regretted that the process had been delayed by investigations into the closure of seven commercial reports, whose report was tabled in parliament last Thursday.
The long and controversial wait for the transfer came to an end on Monday when Hon Abdu Katuntu handed instruments of power to him at Parliament.
Munyagwa was pointed COSASE chairperson in August last year but the Speaker of Parliament; Rebecca Kadaga pronounced that leadership of all Standing committees last for two years as per the Rules of Procedures.
The development caused tension between Kadaga and the leadership of opposition under Betty Aol Ochan. The opposition accused the Speaker of using “technicalities” to fight Munyagwa.
The Bugweri county MP, Abdu Katuntu and Anita Amongin were however maintained in their respective positions of chairman and vice until January 7th 2019 when their tenure ended.
The Kawempe legislator was formally designated at COSASE chairman on January 22nd 2019 but was again told to wait until Katuntu and his team deliver the Bank of Uganda probe report.
The probe into closure of commercial banks was tabled last week.
As evidenced by the pictures, Munyagwa’s unfolded today.
Asked what he is going to do first as the new COSASE Chair, Munyagwa said that he was going to meet the Clerk attached to the committee and come up with a work plan, which will be discussed by the entire committee.
Munyagwa also noted that he wasn’t assigned a Vice Chairperson, saying that he was to meet the Speaker and Leader of Opposition (LOP) about the matter.
LOP Betty Aol Ochan had assigned Rubaga North MP, Moses Kasibante, an Independent to deputize Munyagwa but Kadaga assigned him to the Appointments Committee of parliament.
He assured the public that he was more than able to steer the committee having served as Kawempe Division Mayor before joining parliament.
Asked about pending case against him before court, Munyagwa said that he should be given chance to serve, adding that he is innocent until proven guilty.
