Security Minister Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi has spoken out after it emerged that Russian firm Joint Stock Company Global Security Systems awarded contract to install digital monitors in vehicles is bankrupt.
Pearl Times News detailed the scandal, in an earlier story. (See: FINALLY: Museveni reveals what he will do to bankrupt Russian company awarded juicy digital monitors contract).
Now Muhwezi has not only distanced himself from the negotiations that led to the deal, but he also suggested that government could cancel the contract.
“The Ministry of Security is aware of allegations regarding the financial solvency of the contractor in the recently signed Global Security Contract,” said Maj Gen Muhwezi.
“As was earlier clarified by the Attorney General, this project has long been in the pipeline and it’s details agreed upon prior to my appointment as Minister of Security last month.”
The minister had been out of government for five years after he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2016 polls.
He would later reclaim his MP job.
Museveni also appointed him to cabinet, but placed his ministry undere the president’s office.
That means that Gen Elly Tumwine, Muhwezi’s predecessor, was in the thick of the negotiations for the award of the contract for the digital monitors.
Muhwezi has also made it clear the government of Uganda would not lose out on the deal if it emerges that Global Security Systems Joint Stock Company didn’t qualify for the contract.
Although he didn’t outrightly talk of cancelling Global Security Systems’ contract, Muhwezi talked of “clear rights and protections’ that could guarantee this.
“Nevertheless I want to reassure the public that the terms of the contract provide the Government with clear rights and protections should the alleged circumstances materialise,” he said.
