Bumula MP Wamboka suspended as PIC Chair over bribery allegations

The move comes after multiple complaints were lodged by witnesses who appeared before the committee, raising concerns about the conduct of its leadership.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) cited what it described as open hostility, harassment, and demeaning treatment of its officers during appearances before the committee.

The Commission further alleged that the committee chairperson, MP Wamboka, demanded bribes as a precondition for granting an audience or offering favourable consideration in the course of committee proceedings.

“In order to safeguard public trust in the work of the Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education during the pendency of the inquiry, I am persuaded to suspend Hon. Jack Wanami Wamboka from chairing the committee,” Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss submitted to the House.

"The complaints received, inquiry and its outcome shall be a clarion call for the commiteee and all of us, to reevaluate and optimise the manner in which we treat matters briought before us for consideration."

Given that the PIC is a key watchdog committee traditionally chaired by a member of the Minority Party, and noting that the vice chair was only recently sworn in as an MP, the Leader of the Minority Party has been directed to nominate an interim chair by midday Thursday.

Meanwhile, the allegations against Wamboka have been referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee for investigation. The committee is expected to review the complaints and table its report in the House within 45 days.