Finance minister Matia Kasaija is not a contented man, despite holding one of the most powerful ministries in Uganda.
Mr Kasaija also a member of Parliament, has been exposed as illegally holding the chairmanship of the Departed Asians Property custodian board illegally, according to the sub committee investigating the mess at the board. The sub committee was formed by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase).
Apart from hand picking his campaign manager Mr George Williams Bizibu to work as the Executive Secretary of the Departed Asians PropertyCustodian Board, the committee found out that the Minister of Finance Matia Kasaijja was holding two public offices at the same time, which is irregular. Surprisingly, he also knew it was wrong to do so.
Kasaijja is the minister of Finance and at the same time the chairperson of the custodian board which is illegal, according to the committee.
When the committee asked Kasaija whether it was lawfully to occupy two public offices, he said it’s not right and apologized which meant he deliberately kept offices.
“Mr chairman of this committee, I can confirm to you that I am holding these offices unlawfully. I beg that you forgive me,” Kasaijja said.
Kasaijja said that he was appointed by the President for both positions, and
“will seek guidance from the Attorney General William Byaruhanga on this matter and report back to this committee.”
The committee grilled Kasaijja on why the Attorney General is always absent in the custodian board meetings for which he responded that it’s wrong of the AG to dodge board meetings.
The sub committee has since established that the custodian board doesn’t hold regular meeting as stipulated by the law.
Kampala Central Member of Parliament Muhammad Nsereko said that according to the law, the board is supposed to sit every month.
Kasaija however apologized for incompetence at the board.
“I apologise on behalf of the board members for not doing our work,” he said, pleading for leniency.
