By Rosette Nandutu,

Lawmakers on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises – COSASE are upset after the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija failed to appear before them for the second time, without giving any reason.

Led by Joel Ssenyonyi, the committee is examining the Auditor General’s Report for FY 2020/2021 relating to irregularities in the sh10.6 billion Supplementary Budget to offset Lusanjja and Ndeeba land compensation claimants.

The controversial compensation to six individuals was undertaken by the Uganda Land Commission – ULC, an entity mandated to document, verify, preserve and maintain land owned or administered by the Government under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

Kasaija was first invited to appear before the Committee on Tuesday May 17th 2022 last week, but he replied requesting the Committee to reschedule the interface to Thursday May 26th, 2022 saying was engaged with State duties.

The Committee Chairperson Joel Ssenyonyi said the Minister did not appear and without any communications to the Committee prompting him to issue a criminal summon to compel him to appear before them on Tuesday May 31st 2022 or face arrest.

According to the Auditor General’s report the 10.6 billion Shillings was used to compensate beneficiaries who included Kasiya Rwabukurukuru who received 6.43 billion Shillings for land at Kiyunga in Sheema District, and Stephen Peter Nagenda of Rwanswa in Kibaale who received  1.06 billion Shillings.