Werikhe Pledges Transparency in Oil Investigation

The Chairman of the parliamentary Ad hoc committee investigating the Oil Sector says he will respect and abide by the values of transparency, openness and honesty in unearthing all problems dogging the oil industry.

Michael Werikhe, a former minister, last week came under fire and opposition from his colleagues in parliament who doubted his ability  to deliver justice in the investigations. The committee was officially commissioned on Tuesday by the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga.

The seven-man committee will travel to Dubai, London, Switzerland, among other countries, to investigate allegations that three top ministers took bribes to unfairly influence the awarding of Oil deals to Tullow Oil Uganda.

But Werikhe, also MP for Bungokho South in Mbale, maintains that he will ensure that the country gets the best value from the Oil industry. He reiterated his earlier promise that if in the course of his investigation he finds anything that conflicts with his short service as Energy Minister, he would pull out of the investigations  and allow another member to take over.

Stephen Tashobya, the MP for Kajara County in Ntungamo,  denied cliams that his closeness to Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, would compromise his capacity on the committee. Tashobya told Uganda Radio Network shortly before starting work that he would work professionally and put aside his party affiliation.

He defends his performance using his work on the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee that he chairs in the house. 

Tashobya says he is aware of the sensitivity and critical importance of the Oil sector investigation and the entire sector contribution to national development, a fact he says would motivate him more than any other consideration. He asked for patience and understanding from colleagues and the country to allow him and colleagues do a good job.

Tashobya’s record on independence came under scrutiny during the Temangalo debate when he led a group of NRM MPs investigating the corruption allegations to author a minority report that eventually got former Security minister Amama Mbabazi off the accusations.

Mbabazi, now Prime Minister, is together with Senior Ministers Hillary Onek and Sam Kutesa, the three ministers who will be investigated by the Ad hoc committee.

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