Justice Minister Mao Located by CID and Brought to COSASE Hearing

Justice Minister Norbert Mao made a dramatic appearance before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) following a brief search by parliamentary police.

The committee chairperson, Muwada Nkunyinji, had previously directed CID officers attached to the committee to establish whether the minister was anywhere within Parliament buildings after he delayed showing up for a scheduled hearing.

The session was convened to scrutinize the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) over queries raised in the Auditor General’s report for the year ending December 2025. Lawmakers specifically needed Mao to clarify critical matters, including directives from the Inspectorate of Government concerning institutional appointments.

After waiting for a grace period, Nkunyinji invoked committee powers and instructed officers to check the arrival registers and search the premises. The chairperson warned that Parliament would not tolerate executive officials who continuously skip committee engagements while appearing for general plenary sessions.

While the search was underway, the committee temporarily shifted focus to deliberate on other matters involving Tropical Bank and URSB officials. Minister Mao eventually walked into the committee room later in the proceedings, drawing a lighthearted remark from the chairperson.

“I want to welcome the Honourable Minister of Justice. You are in the right place. We were worried that you had lost your way,” Nkunyinji joked upon Mao’s arrival.

Following his entry, the committee recalled the deployed CID officers and proceeded with public business, briefly asking the minister to wait while they concluded discussions with other invited stakeholders. Mao was then expected to address pertinent questions regarding the management and administrative directives at URSB.

Read more details about this story on the Nile Post.