Members of Parliament this afternoon are expected to move a censure motion on the floor of the house against Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Minister Vincent Ssempijja over abuse of office.
A notice of motion was on May 6, served to the clerk to Parliament under Rule 108 (1) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.
“Pursuant to Rule 108 (1) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, 2017, take note that I, Atiku Bernard, Member of Parliament Ayivu County, Arua District intend to move a motion of censure against Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries on the grounds of abuse of office and misconduct as prescribed in articles 118 (1) (a) and (b) of the constitution” reads Mr. Atiku’s letter to the Clerk.
Particulars for the motion
Ssempijja who rose to prominence while in Masaka where he served as LCV is being accused of neglecting PPDA rules when he used his powers as the line minister and took bulls from Lusenke Stock Farm in Kayunga for person gain.
“Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssemijja while holdig the portfolio of Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries-
- Abused his office when he ordered for the withdrawal of several heads of cattle from Lusenke Stock Farm, a government owned ranch managed by National Animal Genetic Resource Centre and Date Bank (NAGRC&DB) located in Kayunga District contrary to the provisions of the Animal Breeding Act,2001 and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Asserts Act, 2003.
- Misbehaved and misconducted him when he, without lawful excuse, refused, neglected or failed to attend the house on March 12, 2o2o, as directed by the Hon. Speaker.”
Eagle Online has reliable learnt that Mr. Ssempijja is also accused of being behind those pushing for the exit of NAGRC Executive Director Dr. Charles Lagu. Sources further reveal that Minister Ssempijja had knowingly or unknowingly mounted pressure on Dr. Lagu to procure semen valued at Shs12 billion without board approval. However Dr. Lagu rejected the deal given that the life span of the imported semen was due for expiry in one year and secondly the procurement hadn’t been budget for and sanctioned by the board. Ssempijja is also accused of sidelining the NAGRC board and Executive Director on land related to the government stock farms and ranches that had been sold to the rich individual without necessarily going through right procedures.
Sources further reveal that when Dr. Lagu objected to the above, his woes with his superior worsened and this is where corruption allegations were brought against him.
