{UAH} The Observer - Byandala accuses Nasasira, Tumwebaze
|
7:49 AM |
No comments |
The Observer - Byandala accuses Nasasira, Tumwebaze
Wednesday, 20 August 2014 00:15
Under-fire minister of Works and Transport Abraham Byandala has accused two cabinet colleagues of working to oust him from office.
Byandala told The Observer in an extensive and exclusive interview on Monday that John Nasasira, his predecessor and now minister for ICT, and Frank Tumwebaze, the minister for the Presidency, are quietly fuelling the uproar over the controversial award of a Shs 165bn contract for the upgrade of the 74km Mukono-Kyetume-Katosi/Kisoga-Nyenga road to Eutaw, a US company.
"They want me out of office," Byandala said at his office, adding: "These stories were taken to the New Vision by Frank Tumwebaze."
Both Nasasira and Tumwebaze yesterday vehemently denied Byandala's accusations, advising their colleague to carry his own cross. Asked why Tumwebaze would fight him, Byandala replied: "Maybe it's a group game because the major sponsor of this is [John] Nasasira. I have got these people who talk on radios. They tell me that they have been promised money and that the moment they win this war, they will buy them cars. They have been given money to go to the radios [and tarnish my name]."
Byandala said Nasasira "wants to come back [as minister of Works]."
He further alleged that Tumwebaze was connected to High Tides, the firm retained by Eutaw as procurement consultants. Byandala is accused of ordering the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to sign the contract with Eutaw before due diligence was complete.
Ministers' reactions
John Nasasira (Minister for ICT)
We have been working well and I have no reason to undermine my friend Honourable Byandala. I was a minister for 15 years and I took responsibility for all my actions and decisions. So, I was shocked to hear my friend trying to blame me for what is happening there.
I do not make cabinet reshuffles; so, there is no way someone can say that I am fighting to come back to the ministry. I am now minister of ICT and I am concentrating on my tasks.
Secondly, I don't know anybody in Eutaw. I have never visited the United States to meet any of their officials because I do not know anyone there. So, it is not true for someone to suggest that I have met officials of the company when I even don't know them. That person must provide evidence.
Thirdly, during my time as minister, the project [Mukono-Katosi] was put on hold because there was no money. It was revived when Byandala is minister. He should take responsibility for his actions and not blame others.
Frank Tumwebaze (minister for the Presidency)
Well, I haven't heard my brother Hon Byandala say all what you are attributing to him, so I will not respond in detail for now. But irrespective of who is making the allegations, outrightly know those are falsehoods cooked up and may be intended to divert attention.
I had also seen attempts by some pseudo named individuals on social media platforms trying to involve my name in it, but I had ignored them as the usual obsessed political haters. I will however, respond more appropriately and logically after hearing the details of those allegations. However, I would be utterly shocked if he (Byandala) is the one saying that. I will first ask him to confirm or rule out what you are attributing to him.
But fortunately procurement matters are technical and well guided by the law. We can surely know how the process of that specific procurement went and who was responsible. How was that company procured, for example? Was it by single sourcing or open bidding?
All this can tell who was involved and how. It's not just a matter of mentioning one's name casually to balance off your political game. If it's politics of some sort intended to cover up the real issues and divert attention, then they will be ashamed and defeated at their own game.
Read full interview here
ekiggundu@observer.ug
walusimbideo@gmail.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment