Elisha Z. Bwanika
Justine Bagyenda, has finally appeared before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase), with chairperson Abdu Katuntu warning that she has to appear before them daily, henceforth.
Bagyenda, who has been out of the country, has thrice failed to appear before the committee to answer queries in regard to the closure of seven commercial banks between 1993 to 2016.
As former director of Supervision for Commercial banks at Bank of Uganda, Bagyenda played a key role in having these banks closed or sold off.
Last week, Katuntu extended summons against Ms Bagyenda to appear before the committee on Thursday, November 29, failure of which would lead to her arrest. This was after Bagyenda had snubbed summons sent to her earlier, saying she was would not be able to appear before the committee because she was still out of the county on a personal business trip. She said she would only return after December 13.
On Thursday, however, Katuntu received another letter from Bagyenda’s lawyers, requesting for an extension until Monday, December 3, for his client to appear.
The request was granted but with warning that a warrant will be issued to have her arrested.
Katuntu said then: “She has committed herself on Monday. I don’t think it will be necessary to invoke other powers. Let us use those powers sparingly. I grant her second request, the extension of summons is granted. It has been extended for the second time, if she doesn’t appear, we shall not discuss Bagyenda’s appearance again.”
During the Monday morning session, Katuntu told Bagyenda she was required to appear before the committee until the probe into Bank of Uganda was done with.
“We do not want to hear that you are out of the country again,” he warned.
The warning startled Bagyenda who pledged her total support to the investigations.
“I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and I pledge my commitment to this committee,” Bagyenda said.
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