Anite Defends Integrity Amid Controversial Payment: Museveni Orders Refund

Summary:

• Uganda’s State Minister for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, emotionally defended herself in a meeting with President Museveni over a controversial $145,000 ‘service award’ paid to Uganda Investment Authority officials. Anite insisted on her integrity, stated her willingness to undergo a lifestyle audit, and invited anyone with evidence of corruption against her to come forward. President Museveni ultimately sided with her, ordering the repayment of the funds.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Uganda’s State Minister for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, has expressed deep emotions following a tense meeting with President Museveni concerning a contentious ‘service award’ paid to the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) management.

The meeting at State House was called to discuss a Shs545 million (approximately $145,000) payment made to UIA officials for their oversight of the Kampala Industrial Park Development (KIPD) project.

“I have only met that investor (Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum) once. I noticed he was even honored during Heroes’ Day. It was disheartening to see social media claims questioning his royal status. After conducting due diligence with our UAE embassy, I was distressed to find that corrupt individuals had reached the president before we could present our findings. My president would never tolerate such blackmail. He waited until the room was full and then asked me how I pleaded,” Anite recounted.

“This deeply affected me. If Jesus wept when Lazarus died, who am I not to weep? I broke down in tears before the president, in front of drivers and everyone present,” she continued.

Anite maintained her stance on the disputed honoraria, with President Museveni eventually supporting her and ordering the repayment of the funds by the beneficiaries.

“I do not pursue these matters for personal benefit. Projects are suffering and delayed. A project that should be completed in five years is only halfway done. They neglected their duties to focus on unnecessary actions,” she stated.

Addressing corruption allegations and accusations of wealth accumulation, Anite declared her readiness to face any evidence against her and undergo a lifestyle audit by the Inspector General of Government (IGG).

“I have endured much, but if I am guilty, I am prepared to accept the consequences. If there is evidence that I have fallen short of God’s glory, I am ready to walk to Luzira prison. People fear the corrupt because they are powerful, but I will not back down. If there is proof that I accepted money from an investor or hold shares in a company, I am ready to face the consequences,” Anite asserted.

“As you have inquired about my assets, let every government official account for their possessions. Agree to a lifestyle audit by the IGG. Anyone with evidence against me should present it, and I am ready to face the consequences,” she concluded.

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