)
State Minister for Sports, Hon Peter Ogwang, has dismissed allegations that he is shielding National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Ogwel in inquiring into funds allocated to the federations.
Ogwang, in a lengthy tweet, responded to the allegations made by Uganda Netball Federation president Sarah Babirye Kityo who alleged that the minister is taking sides.
While appearing on NBS Sport on Friday morning, Kityo alleged that the minister has remained silent on the IGG report pinning NCS's Bernard Ogwel over alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.
"The IGG report came out, and Minister Ogwang has never said anything. So the issue I have with him is that he is taking sides in this accountability issue," Babirye said.
In response, Ogwang urged Kityo to carry her cross: "As public leaders, we cannot run away from public accountability, especially when it involves public funds."
)
"I am sorry, I will not be a scapegoat, nor should I be made to vicariously pay for others' sins. Nevertheless, we have to carry our cross," part of the statement reads.
He added that Kityo is under investigation for finances allocated to her federation long before he became state minister for sports.
"You are being investigated on FY 2021/2022 audit queries long before I was State Minister of Sports. Do you still want me to protect you on things I know nothing about?" Ogwang wondered.
Ogwang explained that Kityo was part of the critical stakeholders' meeting held in State House in April that resolved to conduct a special investigation on UNF.
"It is erroneous to blindfold the public to think that you are being witch-hunted," Ogwang noted before adding.
"Because you were even part of the meeting that met the Minister of Education and Sports along with the Auditor General, IGG, Attorney General, myself, and others in April at State House, Nakasero."
"You were there when the meeting resolved to conduct a special investigation on Uganda Netball Federation," he explained.
Ogwang strongly stressed that he would ensure all federations account for public funds. Kityo is also battling court charges of obtaining money by false pretence; she was granted bail on Wednesday.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)