KAMPALA — Lugazi Municipality MP Hon. Richard Senteza has called for the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to appear before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) as the committee continues its ongoing proceedings.
Senteza, a member of COSASE, made the submission during the committee’s sitting on Thursday, arguing that the minister’s presence is necessary for the committee to effectively handle matters under investigation.
He told the committee that Parliament’s rules allow public officials to be summoned when their presence is required to provide information relevant to an inquiry.
Senteza argued that the Minister of Finance has a significant role in the matters currently before the committee and should therefore be available to respond to questions falling within the Ministry’s mandate.
He said the minister’s absence could make it difficult for COSASE to establish responsibility where issues involving the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Uganda overlap.
Senteza further noted that the committee could end up directing questions to Bank of Uganda officials on matters that require clarification from the Ministry of Finance.
He urged the committee to ensure that all relevant entities are brought before it so that members can obtain clear explanations and avoid a cycle of shifting responsibility between institutions.
The COSASE proceedings are ongoing, with members continuing to examine matters before the committee and seeking explanations from the relevant government institutions.
