Why Onegi Obel & not Mbabazi or Kagonyera?
By Lawrence Kasozi – 9th-15th Aug 2010
The recent jailing of Mr. Geoffrey Onegi Obel, the former National Social Security Fund board chairman, has greatly saddened me. Onegi Obel was sent to Luzira prison after his bail was cancelled by the Chief Magistrate of the Anti-Corruption Court.
The facts:
The prosecution’s allegations are that between 2003 and 2005, Mr Onegi Obel [and others still at large] abused their offices by committing acts that were prejudicial to the NSSF’s interests. Onegi Obel was in particular accused of floating an illegal private business on behalf of NSSF when he went into a joint venture with Mugoya Estates Ltd. Mugoya Estates, a construction firm, was contracted to carry out the design and construction of housing units at Nsimbe Estate.
The joint venture, it is alleged, caused NSSF to pay out equity contribution of 8billion Shillings without ensuring financial capability or value for money for the investment. That, the state avers, was a violation of the provisions of the NSSF Act. The allegation is also that the suspects received 6.8billion Shillings for work done in respect of Nsimbe Housing Project and yet a Ministry of Works assessment at the end of the project found that the work done was only worth about 1billion Shillings.
Why the sadness
I am saddened not because I think Mr. Onegi Obel is innocent. That is a matter for a competent court to determine. My sadness is premised upon what I see as partisan favouritism in the way the laws of our land are enforced. I am also saddened by the level of impunity that is now prevalent among Museveni’s close associates.
With respect to the corruption scandals in the NSSF, I would like to know why it is that non Westerners like David Jamwa, Bakoko Bakoru, and Onegi Obel are hounded by the regime’s law enforcement agencies while the well connected Westerners like Amama Mbabazi and Prof. Mondo Kagonyera walk free. Who are the bigger NSSF “thieves” when you compare the “unconnected non Westerners” and the “well connected Westerners” of the Temangalo corruption scandal?
Fears for the future
I am an old man. I have served my country diligently for many years and seen it survive many Presidents. I do fear however that Uganda, and in particular many innocent Ugandans, may not survive Museveni. I do fear too that Museveni is not doing his fellow Westerners any favours whatsoever by appearing to be openly shielding them from prosecution whenever they are accused of committing crimes.
Ugandans are not stupid. And they are not passive observers either. They are watching and taking note; very carefully, very meticulously, and very deliberately! When the time comes, they will make their feelings known in the best way they know how. I do fear that when that time finally comes, as it no doubt will, innocent blood [not milk this time] will flow in the village paths of many parts of Uganda, and sadly, Western Uganda in particular.
It cannot be right that one tiny group of mostly Museveni’s friends and relatives is seen to be fully drenched in wealth and privilege while the rest of the country, as equal stakeholders in the Republic of Uganda PLC, are left to pick up the bread crumbs from the “High Table” in State House.
The solution
My fears notwithstanding, I am also an optimist; a very big one! I believe that it is never too late for anyone who wants to arrest even the worst of situations. Unfortunately for Ugandans, at this late stage, it is only Museveni who has the mighty master key that can unlock the gateway to peaceful co-existence in Uganda. That key is called the “political will” to do what is in the best interest of Uganda; not his, or his NRM’s interests!
Mr. President Sir! Show Ugandans that you have the political will to enforce the principle of equality before the law by pushing for the prosecution of powerful men like Amama Mbabazi. Show Ugandans that you do not tolerate corruption from anyone; including your close tribesmen who now are rightly or wrongly, perceived to be “eating” like ancient gluttons!
Show Ugandans in practical terms that you do not quietly encourage impunity by your close operatives to procure political advantages for yourself. Start by disbanding the Kiboko Squad that operates alongside police officers in broad daylight. Show Ugandans that you are committed to having free and fare elections by listening to our concerns about the staggering incompetence of present Electoral Commission.
Mr. Lawrence Kasozi is a retired political assistant who served both Obote and Amin
