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{
"id": 852538,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/852538/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Orengo",
"speaker_title": "The Senate Minority Leader",
"speaker": {
"id": 129,
"legal_name": "Aggrey James Orengo",
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"content": "they have done in record time. Looking at what they had to do in that period, they have done a wonderful piece of work. Just going by the documentation they had to go through and knowing how complex land issues are, to that extent, these Members deserve a pat on the back. Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, I begin by saying that it is in the Bible where it is said that it is impossible for a rich man to go to Heaven and if he is going to go to Heaven, it is like going through the eye of a needle. In this country, we have cartels and cabals that however small the eye of the needle is, they will always get through. The saga surrounding this piece of land clearly shows that these characters, whatever you do, they will always get a way out. I want to remind us that it is for these reasons in both the pre-colonial and post- colonial periods that we had legislation to ensure that public resources and assets are dealt with in a particular way. That is why we now have the Public Procurement and Disposal Act. In relation to land, not only in the old days but even in the current regime of land laws, there was a particular process for the acquisition of public land and the rest. Therefore, in looking at this Report, I do not want to go through the details and the facts because they are there. There are paragraphs dealing with the facts as presented, findings from the facts and the recommendations. This Report was done in such a way that it is easy to read and make a determination whether there is substance on this Report or not. For that, I think the Committee should be commended. Having said that, I want to invite my dear friends and Senators in this Chamber that this Report as it stands, has made findings and recommendations. Our role includes that of oversight which is very important. I would want to urge the House that these recommendations that have been made by this Committee are recommendations that follow the facts and the findings of the Committee. I think the Committee has not arrogated to itself the responsibilities to give directions, let us say to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). They have not taken upon themselves to make directions to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) or for that matter to other State institutions. They have given recommendations. On that basis, I would presume that nobody in this House would be afraid or reluctant to allow a process after this, if we approve this Report, where these matters are fully investigated in the realm of various legislation including the land laws, the laws applicable to the criminal justice system and the other statutes that govern procurement and disposal of public assets, so that we know the complete truth based on the facts and recommendations made by this Committee. From this Report, you will realize that a lot of this information did not even come from private citizens. It came from public offices, state offices, public bodies and the documentation, which are part of the public record. Therefore, for us to disagree with this Report, it will be terribly unfortunate because what they are saying is that, having made these findings and recommendations, the state institutions charged with the responsibility of investigation and prosecutions should take over this matter. I think to that extent, nobody should find fault with this Report. This Report came at a time when the main saga was being discussed in the National Assembly. Simultaneously, we are also dealing with the issue of land and this The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}