An internal parliamentary probe has recommended sanctions against staffers believed to have leaked information regarding the Shs2.4b procurement of two luxury cars for Speaker Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa.
A confidential probe report by the Parliament’s Criminal Investigations Department prepared for the Parliamentary Commission, the administrative arm of the House, recommended the sanctioning of one staff and the close monitoring of two others to serve as a deterrent.
“Upholding this view will inevitably mitigate the bad practices of sharing confidential documents to unauthorised persons with impunity,” the report signed off by Mr Charles Twiine, the deputy parliamentary CID boss, reads in part.
Mr Twiine’s team commenced investigation into the matter on June 13 following a complaint by the Clerk to Parliament, Mr Adolf Mwesige, over leakage of procurement details on social media by journalist Agather Atuhaire in April.
It remains unclear whether the commission effected the recommendations, but the 2010 Whistleblowers Protection Act emboldens individuals in both the private and public sectors to disclose information in public interest that relates to irregular, illegal or corrupt practices.
The law also provides for the protection against victimisation of persons who make disclosures, and related matters.
Controversial issue
Section one of the Act states that any person may make a disclosure of information where that person reasonably believes that the information tends to show, among others, that corruption, criminality or other unlawful acts have been committed, is being committed or is likely to be committed; or that a public officer or employee has failed, refused or neglected to comply with any legal obligation to which that officer or employee is subject.
