KAMPALA- Embattled Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) Executive Director, Ms Jolly Kaguhangire, has once again declined to leave office despite the recent order from the ministry of finance directing her to handover office.
In a July 9 letter, Mr Matia Kasaija, the Finance Minister directed Ms Kaguhangire to vacate office to Mr Basil Ajer.
After a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni on July 5, Minister Kasaija said the ED leaves office to pave way for investigations but by yesterday she had not officially handed over the office.
“As agreed in State House, this is to request you to handover office to Mr Basil Ajer, director SME and STI on Wednesday July 11, at 2:30 p.m.,” Kasaija wrote, adding that the process will help to determine whether the accusations levied against her are of any substance.
Mr Kasaija’s letter said a three-month investigation into accusations of abuse of office, insubordination, misleading and lying to the board and corruption, among others will be the one to determine the fate of the embattled executive.
However, Ms Kaguhangire did not attend the handover to Mr Ajer, the new interim boss, as directed by Finance minister Matia Kasaijja saying she was out of the country.
“I wish to state that I received your letter of July 9, 2018 through email. I am currently out of the country attending to my sister who was taken ill and is now waiting to undergo a major surgery,” Kaguhangire stated in an email.
“If all goes well, I will be back in a week’s time. I will immediately get in touch as soon as I arrive in the country,” she added remaining silent on the handover, which was central in Mr Kasaija’s communication.
Ms Kaguhangire was suspended by the Board of Directors of the investment body in a move to save the image of the government agency that has recently suffered allegations of corruption and nepotism.
But the topmost manager has since declined to vacate office, claiming that the board decision to interdict her was null and void. She also accused the board of meddling with management responsibilities and fighting her. She as such demanded audience with President Museveni over the matter and that is how the July 5 meeting happened.
