The CCTV Camera video footage of the embattled former executive director for bank supervision at Bank of Uganda (BoU) Justine Bagyenda has gone viral after she evaded security check at the bank’s premises as she ferried out materials in bags believed to be some documents related to the liquidation of commercial banks.

The footage retrieved from BoU premises shows Ms Bagyenda and his bodyguard Ms Juliet Adikot (bodyguard) and her driver Mr. Job Turyahabwe ferrying what is believed to be documents in and out of the bank premises into her car without being checked by the security at the bank.

MPs on Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) who are probing BoU senior staff over the controversial sale of seven commercial banks are furious that vital documents related to the sale of the banks are nowhere to be seen, pointing to the fact that officials who participated in the liquidation of the banks could have financially benefited from the transactions.

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Ms Bagyenda is suspected to have carried out the vital documents even though she insists she only carried her private documents. The MPs say BoU has officials have failed to present valuations reports as well as minutes of meetings related to the sale of banks.

“All the things I took out were personal and the day I was coming from the airport and the things I was carrying were reading material, gifts for staff. I have been working in the bank for 35years, the things I took out weren’t the ones I returned. I had gifts I got from South Africa,” she said.

Director of Security at BoU Milton Opio days ago told MPs that Bagyenda should tell where the missing documents are since she evaded security check at the premises in violation of the BoU’s security policy where workers are supposed to present themselves at the check point.

The footage also shows Bagyenda meeting MMAKS Lawyer Timothy K.Masembe who was the private lawyer of BoU, Crane Bank Limited, PwC and Dfcu. Dfcu Bank bought of Global Trust Bank Uganda and Crane Bank Limited in July 2017 and January 2017 respectively. MPS have argued that Masembe’s involvement in the closure of banks created a conflict of interest.

Masembe and Bank of Baroda Managing Director Ashrin Kumar met MS Bagyenda inside the central bank premises on a Sunday.

The incident, in which the BoU security directorate has admitted was a blatant breach of the central bank security guidelines came up on Thursday as MPs analysed the CCTV footage as it investigated how Ms Bagyenda stole loads of documents from the bank under the watch of the security personnel at BoU.

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The former Executive Director for bank supervision at Bank of Uganda (BoU) Ms Justine Bagyenda was on Friday left in shock when MPs on Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises ordered that she be stripped of a government car and security.

The MPs took decision while quizzing Bagyenda and Mr. Denis Kakembo, lead counsel of M/S J.N Kirkland Associates over the controversial sale of loan assets of defunct Greenland Bank, International Credit Bank and Cooperative Bank at 93 percent discount.

Bagyenda continued to use the BoU vehicle and security even after retiring in July 2018. The BoU Governor Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile had ordered that she be stripped of the vehicle and security by end of December last year.

The MPs were shocked that despite Bagyenda contributing to the mess in the liquidation of some banks, and had retired, she was still enjoying government facility as if she was still serving government.

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The Inspector General of Police (IGP) JM Okoth Ochola has said the fallen Commissioner of Police (CP) Josephine Kakooza was dedicated and hardworking officer.

In a condolence message read for him by the Director Special Duties AIGP, Andrew Sorowen, Mr Ochola said, by her death the family members, Uganda Police Force and the country have been robbed of a dedicated officer with high integrity, commitment and zeal towards her job.

“I and the entire Uganda Police Force mourn the unfortunate death of the longest serving, experienced, dedicated and hardworking officer, She will always be remembered for her talented leadership in music, dance and drama.” Mr. Okoth Ochola said during a requiem mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Parish Church, Nsambya.

“On behalf of Uganda Police Force and my own behalf, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolence to the family, relatives, friends and comrades of the late CP Kakooza.” He said.

According to police Spokesperson Emilian Kayima, CP Kakooza breathed her last at Namirembe hospital where she was admitted due to pressure complications developed when she visited her home in Mukono.

The late Kakooza joined Uganda Police Force on 1st September 1969 and did initial Police training course at Police Training School, Kibuli. After completion of the initial course she specialized in Band.

She was stationed at Nsambya Police Band Unit where she served until her death. She progressed in the Force through promotions, commendations and medals awarded.

She was promoted in 1982 to the rank of Corporal and got Sergeant in 1987 then to Inspector of Police in 1993. She did Junior Command Course in 1997 and other several courses in and outside the country.

In 2004 she was promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and SP in 2008. In 2012, she was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

In 2013 she clocked the public service mandatory retirement age but because of her exemplary service, was allowed to serve on contract and in 2014 was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police she held till her death.

Because of her notable service, she was the only Senior Police Officer introduced to Pope Francis when he visited Uganda in November 2015.

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The police in Gulu report they are still holding about 120 suspects arrested in town during the Christmas season.

Emmanuel Mafundo, the Gulu District Police Commander said that arrests numbering 70 were made of the juveniles involved in snatching town dwellers’ properties like mobile phones and bags.

He said parents of the arrested children could be charged over irresponsibility. He urged non-governmental organizations religious organisations to support the children by counselling them. He has also urged the entire community to remain vigilant and ensure that children remain in homes.

Late last year Gulu Mayor George Labeja said that the municipality had received several complaints of theft masterminded by the street children. He said that taking the children off the streets will not only improve safety for town dwellers, but will also get rid of the mess brought about by the presence of street children.

Labeja warned that parents whose children are found to be living on the streets will be arrested and charged with abuse of children’s rights.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa region police spokesperson said that some of the street children are from well- to-do families who either do not want to go to school or are driven by the desire to roam the streets.

Okema explained that police has been forced to release children detained in the past because it was working in isolation without the involvement of the municipality and the district to either facilitate prosecution or even trace their families.

Gulu has many orphans and vulnerable children, many of which are being kept by charity organizations and orphanages. At least 100 children still sleep and eat off the streets of Gulu town, seven years after peace returned to the region.

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