MP Kasibante says Gen Tumwine has a record of berating parliament

Jamilah Muwonge

Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante told Parliament’s Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline that Gen Elly Tumwine, the minister for security has consistently berated parliament.

Appearing as the first witness in the hearing investigating Tumwine's reported disparaging remarks against Parliament and Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, Kasibante said the army general had once abused the speaker in an interview with CBS. he produced a recording to this effect.

Kasibante also pointed out that Tumwine had once defied instructions by parliament to vacate the Nommo Gallery, including payment of Shs1.3b to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in rent arrears.

“His compliance with the decisions of Parliament must be checked…he rubbished the order to vacate the gallery [Nommo gallery] by Parliament,” said Kasibante.

Committee chairperson Kenneth Ongalo-Obote (NRM, Kalaki County) said the witnesses are expected to furnish the committee with details of evidence pinning Gen Tumwine for contempt of Parliament.

Ongalo-Obote said the committee “should not be seen to be driving towards a certain conclusion but we shall be fair to all parties before any decision is made.”

The committee also viewed footage of an alleged altercation between MP Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo) and Gen Tumwine.

In a recent Parliament sitting, MP Ogwal alleged that in the past, Gen Tumwine drew a gun at her in Parliament, a claim Tumwine denied.

The two later met in the opposition division lobby, where Gen Tumwine was alleged to have confronted and assaulted Ogwal over the gun claims.

Parliament was debating a matter raised by MP Atkins Katusabe (FDC, Bukonjo West), who said Gen Tumwine disparaged Speaker Kadaga during a public function.

The Committee is now dealing with both contempt cases against Gen Tumwine.

Last week, Gen Tumwine held a news conference in Mbarara, where he called MP Ogwal a liar, and said Parliament condemned him unheard.

Ogwal is expected to appear tomorrow, together with MP Katusabe.

Gen Tumwine is scheduled to appear next week after which the committee will compile a report.