CROSSFIRE: PM Nabbanja Fires Back at Minister Hillary Onek, Accuses Him of Looking on as Thieves Stole Money

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has spoken out on threats by relief, disaster preparedness and refugees minister Hillary Onek to resign over the premier’s alleged ‘micromanagement’ of his ministry.

Onek’s allegations are contained in a leaked protest letter. (Read it here).

In response, Nabbanja has denied receiving Onek’s protest letter, adding that it would be bad behavior if the minister has chosen to address her through social media.

“My office has not received the letter. I have not seen the letter. If the minister decided to address me in social media, that is different: it is indiscipline,” said Nabbanja.

The Kakumiro District Woman MP also reminded Onek and other ministers that it would not be business as usual in her reign as Prime Minister. She called on ministers to work together with her and drive Ugandans out of poverty.

“I want members to appreciate that we are changing the mode of how we operate. Fellow Ugandans our mode of operations has changed. I will ask fellow ministers to work and walk together,” Nabbanja said.

She also swore she would not look on as things go wrong, adding that she was working well with all ministers, including first lady and education minister Janet Museveni.

“The other day you saw me with the first lady trying to struggle trying to make sure that we have teachers in schools. Was I usurping her powers?”

“I have worked with many people well – I have been with the Ministry of Education, I was with the Ministry of Works the other day trying to see how our people can benefit from projects – there is little time, we have to implement the manifesto, hakuna kulala [no sleeping].”

She also made it clear she had nothing personal against Onek.

“I don’t despise or undermine my senior colleague Hillary Onek, I respect him. When he comes to my office, I give him time and attention.”