MPs sitting on the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Monday rejected a request by former Bank of Uganda Executive Director in charge Supervision, Justine Bagyenda to have her two aides who were arrested last year released.
Last week, COSASE handed over two Bagyenda aides; Juliet Adikolet (bodyguard) and Job Turyahebwa (driver) to Parliament’s Police CID for further investigations after they were captured on camera illegally moving key documents out of the Central Bank.
Bank of Uganda security staff, Beatrice Kyambadde and Charles Omoro were also arrested in connection to the incident.
Bagyenda apologised for any inconvenience she might have caused by her controversial absence last week and vowed not to snub any Committee proceedings.
“I would however wish to make the special request that the body guard and driver are set free to meet justice,” Bagyenda pleaded.
However, Abdu Katuntu, the COSASE Chairperson rejected her plea, noting that her aides lied before the Committee and the matter is being investigated by Police.
“Justice is about the law taking its course. Both of them lied on oath which is a criminal offence and were forwarded to Police for management. We have nothing to do in that case except giving evidence. The issue of bags is still on table; we see property of the bank going through without authorization,” Katuntu said.
He added: “We don’t set people free; that isn’t our job. I am sure Police and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) will manage this professionally.”
The aides were arrested after it was discovered that they lied about their movements on the day they sneaked mysterious bags out of the Central Bank in total breach of the Bank’s security system.
The duo had argued that in March 2018 when they picked Bagyenda from the airport, they drove straight to the Central Bank, contrary to details contained in the vehicle tracking record which showed that the team had parked in Kiswa, Bugoloobi for about 2hours. Additionally, Bagyenda apologized for skipping the Committee proceedings and thanked the Committee for extending her arrest warrant on two occasions and vowed to abide by the Committee rules.
“Despite the social media propaganda, I was glad to learn that MPs understood my predicament. I would like to apologise for any inconvenience my absence from Uganda caused. I want to assure you that I am willing to corporate and assist the committee. I pledge my total commitment from now onwards. You also guided that the probe isn’t targeting any individual but Bank of Uganda, that I take solace in your assurances,” Bagyenda said.
