Politics 1 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Minister Musasizi Faces Censure Over Missed Shs140B Probe
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi is under fire from Parliament's COSASE committee for failing to appear for a crucial probe into a Shs140.4 billion Bank of Uganda liability, potentially leading to his censure. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/minister-musasizi-faces-censure-after-absence-halts-shs140b-basajjabalaba-probe-5616400
The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has suspended its investigation into a Shs140.4 billion Bank of Uganda liability related to businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba’s HABA Group. The proceedings stalled because Finance Minister Henry Musasizi failed to appear before the committee.
Minister Musasizi was expected to clarify the Ministry of Finance’s involvement in a 2017 directive to Bank of Uganda. This directive authorized the issuance of a letter of comfort amounting to Shs140 billion to HABA Group. The committee had rescheduled the meeting to Thursday, October 1, at the minister’s own request, making his absence particularly notable.
The committee’s chairperson expressed disappointment and indicated that they would consider censuring Minister Musasizi for this apparent disregard for parliamentary accountability. The probe’s delay raises concerns about transparency and the government’s handling of significant financial obligations.
This incident occurs as Parliament faces increasing scrutiny over various accountability matters, including the issue of missing persons and alleged acts of torture. The committee’s decision to potentially censure the minister underscores the importance of ministerial presence and cooperation during parliamentary oversight functions.