The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has resolved to summon businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba to appear in person after he failed to attend its Wednesday sitting to explain a disputed Shs140 billion Bank of Uganda guarantee.
The decision, taken after a lengthy debate over a request for more time from Basajjabalaba’s lawyers, Magina Advocates, on Wednesday 16th September 2026.
The committee chaired by Kyandondo East MP Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, examined the roles of Basajjabalaba’s Haba Group, the Central Bank and other parties that may emerge during the investigation.
Basajjabalaba had been expected to answer questions concerning the recovery of the Shs140 billion guaranteed by the bank in 2017.
Instead, a legal representative, Calvin Ojambo appeared and requested for another time of appearance. The lawyer said that they received Parliament’s invitation late on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, and that their client was indisposed and required additional time to access documents relating to transactions conducted between 2009 and 2011.
The lawyer noted that the issues raised had previously been the subject of litigation and requested that their client appears on 23 or 24 September, 2026.
While some MPs supported granting additional time, others questioned whether the delay could become a means of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny.
Hon. Martin Kisule (Buzaaya County) questioned why Parliament had served the summons through a law firm and not directly to Basajjabalaba, whose address was known.
The Chairperson, Hon. Nkunyingi, said that the immediate question, was whether the committee should grant the request for more time and determine the appropriate next steps.
“At this level it is investigative level,” Nkunyingi said, emphasising that the committee would examine the roles of all parties before making findings.
The MPs urged caution over what they described as a recurring pattern of non-attendance.
Hon. Nkunyingi, stressed that the committee’s central concern was to establish what happened to the public funds and the circumstances surrounding the Bank of Uganda guarantee.
The committee has now scheduled Basajjabalaba to appear on 23 September 2026. The new summons will be served through a police officer and will require Basajjabalaba to appear in person.
At the heart of the inquiry is the recovery of Shs140 billion guaranteed by Bank of Uganda in 2017. The precise contractual terms of the guarantee, the parties’ obligations, the basis for the central bank’s involvement and the status of recovery are matters that require clarification through the committee’s investigation.
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