State Minister for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, has spoken out about her emotional encounter with President Museveni over a controversial ‘service award’ paid to Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) management. The president had summoned a meeting at State House to address the Shs545m (about $145,000) payment made to UIA management for their role in supervising the Kampala Industrial Park Development (KIPD) project.
Anite, who was in attendance along with UIA officials, finance and investment ministry officials, and the contractor for the industrial park project, revealed that she shed tears during the meeting as President Museveni grilled the UIA bosses over the payment. The minister had been accused of having links with a fake prince from UAE, which she denied, stating that she had done due diligence with the Ugandan embassy in the UAE.
Anite expressed her frustration and sadness over the allegations, stating that she had committed resources to fight for her country and would not be blackmailed by corrupt individuals. She insisted that she stood her ground on the controversial honoraria, which President Museveni ultimately sided with her on, ordering the beneficiaries to refund the payment.
The minister also addressed allegations of corruption and wealth accumulation, stating that she was ready to face any evidence brought against her and willing to undergo a lifestyle audit by the Inspector General of Government (IGG). Anite emphasized her commitment to fighting corruption, despite facing backlash from powerful individuals, and highlighted her achievements in promoting investment and industrial development in the country.
In a show of transparency, Anite offered to account for her property and challenged other government officials to do the same, urging them to accept lifestyle audits by the IGG. She reiterated her willingness to face any evidence brought against her, stating that she was ready to “walk to Luzira” if found guilty.
