The Makerere University deputy vice-chancellor, Prof David Bakibinga, faces a fresh parliamentary investigation following the collapse of a Ush2 billion wall fence at the institution.
The MPs made the decision following reports that Prof Bakibinga, who is in charge of finance and administration at the eight-decade old institution, was never punished by the University for his role in the scandal.
The Auditor General has also questioned why Ush34.4 million meant for maintenance of university houses and roads was diverted to construction of the fence that collapsed following a simple downpour.
MPs on the Public Accounts Committee have summoned top Makerere managers including Prof Bakibinga to explain how the 133-metre perimeter wall under construction collapsed in September 2007 and failure to discipline some culprits.
"We have opened fresh investigations into this collapsed fence because of impunity on the part of university managers," said Mr Nandala Mafabi, the committee chairperson.
"Since September 2007, university managers have failed to implement the PPDA recommendations to have people like Prof Bakibinga disciplined. Public money wasted in the process and somebody must be held accountable."
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), the body that oversees procurement processes of public institutions, in its November 2007 report said Prof Bakibinga, under whose docket the wall lay, was to be held responsible.
Prof Bakibinga was implicated together with the university estates manager, Eng Edson Mpango and another official, Mr Andrew Sserunjogi. The two have since been interdicted but Prof Bakibinga, who pleads innocence, remains in office.
The Citizen could not get to Prof Bakibinga by press time yesterday but in his December 7, 2007 written defence to Prof Mathew Rukikaire, the Makerere University Council Chairman, he denied any wrongdoing, insisting the University Secretary Sam Akorimo, should instead take the blame.
But MPs last week ruled that Prof Bakibinga should be the one to answer for the scandal, after the Auditor General raised more queries.
They for example query why Prof Bakibinga in August 2006 wrote to Eng Mpango proposing new estimates for the construction of the wall, in contradiction of the original costs approved by management.
PPDA publicist Dorah Egunyu told The Citizen that implicated officials had been given a fair hearing.
"Our report was based on clear findings. We are happy that Parliament has taken interest in this Makerere fence scandal because a lot of public money was put to waste," she said.
Mr Rukikaire on Saturday said the university had taken some action by interdicting and disciplining all involved, but declined to discuss Prof Bakibinga.
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