KAMPALA – President Museveni said the contract of UTL administrator Bemanya Twebaze should not be renewed because he was antagonizing the work of Investment minister Evelyn Anite.
In a November 9, 2019 letter to the minister of Justice, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, Mr Museveni said for the sake of cohesion, Mr Bemanya’s contract should not be renewed because he has often conflicted with Ms Anite, “an active Baijukuru (active grandchild).”
“In the interest of cohesion get another administrator. It is easier that way. Going on with endless tension is not good management,” Museveni writes.
The President’s letter confirms a November 8, 2019 statement where Finance minister Matia Kasaija announced that following a meeting with his state ministers, they agreed that they will extend the administration of UTL as they continue to find another investor. However, under the arrangement, they said that the current administrator must be replaced on November 22 when his current tenure ends.
The development is victory for Anite who has been seeking to remove Bemanya with no success.
In July, President Museveni handed the powers of managing the cash strapped public company to Maj Gen Otafiire.
Ms Anite had earlier been engaged in a war of words with Attorney General William Byaruhanga and his Deputy Mwesigwa Rukutana over the legality of her directive to remove Mr Bemanya from the administration of UTL.
Mr Museveni, in a letter dated 3rd July, told Gen Otafiire that no one has authority to make a decision on the fate of UTL without involving Cabinet.
“As I have guided on several occasions, given the strategic importance of UTL to the economy, Government has been in the process of identifying a suitable investor to partner with to revamp UTL as opposed to divesting it. The above position was also taken by Cabinet,” the President’s letter reads in part.
It adds: “Therefore, no action, contrary to Cabinet’s position should be taken. Further, Cabinet must always be consulted on any investment or related decision concerning UTL before they are taken.”
Maj Gen Otafiire, in response, directed the Registrar General to ensure UTL is not liquidated.
“I have received guidance from the President on the matter and hereby direct you as follows; UTL is of strategic importance and you are required to ensure it is not liquidated. As the administrator, you are requested to expedite the process of sourcing a strategic investor,” the letter dated 4th July reads.