Published on 02/10/2024
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has appointed Robert Kyamanywa, his political assistant in Kibaale district, as the new chairman of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) board. This appointment aims to strengthen the leadership of the UIA.
“In accordance with Section 4 of the Investment Code Act, 2019, I am pleased to inform you that I have appointed you as the chairman Uganda Investment Authority Board of the government of Uganda,” said Kasaija in a letter to Kyamanywa on September 26, 2024.
Kasaija recently dissolved the UIA board chaired by Morrison Rwakakamba.
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Kasaija said as the Chairman of the Board, Kyamanywa will be accountable to the Minister responsible for Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Paul Kyalimpa Resignation Saga –Uganda Investment Authority Deputy Director Paul Kyalimpa Resigns
Paul Kyalimpa, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), tendered his resignation in mid-May 2024.
REASON FOR RESIGNATION
Kyalimpa explained in his letter that he decided to undertake professional training that would require more than a year of intense concentration and dedication.
He also mentioned his plan to take his remaining annual leave for the Financial Year 2023/24 starting May 27, 2024, and return to the office afterwards to complete the handover process.
Official records indicate that UIA’s board chairman, Morrison Rwakakamba, received Kyalimpa’s resignation letter on May 20, 2024.
CONTEXT AND CONTROVERSY
This resignation comes amid increasing pressure from the State Minister of Finance in charge of Privatization, Evelyne Anite, on UIA’s top management to return the Shs. 545 million received as ‘honoraria’ from funds allocated for the construction of transport infrastructure in Namanve Industrial Park.
LEGAL THREATS AND REACTIONS
Kyalimpa recently threatened to sue Minister Anite for defamation after she mentioned his name in connection with the saga.
His lawyers stated in a letter to Anite on June 26, 2024, “You published the said words knowing they were false, calculating that the benefit to them would be in terms of political capital while lowering and injuring our client, an ardent Christian, Deputy Director General-UIA, Political Leader, and a family man.”
Anite responded resolutely, “It is my unwavering position that I pledge to defend the taxpayers of Uganda against corruption, abuse of office, and misuse of public funds, even in the courts of law in Uganda or anywhere in the world, to the last drop of my blood. So, bring it on.”
RETRACTION AND FUTURE PLANS
Kyalimpa recently retracted his threats in communication to Anite. In his resignation letter, Kyalimpa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation through the UIA.
“I remain proud of my contribution to UIA and Uganda at large and look forward to continuing to support the investment agenda as a domestic investor and in my future tour of duty,” he added.
CAREER BACKGROUND
Kyalimpa joined UIA in 2020. He previously contested against Finance Minister Matia Kasaija for the MP seat of Buyanja County in Kibale district.
Running as an independent candidate, Kyalimpa eventually withdrew from the race, allowing Kasaija to take the MP post unopposed.
Read Also: BIG STORY: Finance Minister Matia Kasaija Dissolves Uganda Investment Authority Board
