Trade Minister, PS Clash Over a Procurement Deal

Recently officials at the Ministry of Trade and Industry were treated to drama as the state Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon Harriet Ntabazi nearly fought with her Permanent Secretary Ms Ssali Geraldine Busuulwa over the Procurement deal, Spyreports has established.

Insiders at the Ministry revealed to us that the clash started in a boardroom meeting where PS wanted a procurement deal be given to a firm of her choice which was later opposed by Minister Ntabazi. Sources who attended the meeting said Ntabazi said all the firms taking up the procurement deals must go through Procurement process and follow PPDA guidelines. However the PS rejected the idea saying some firms are already in their procurement system and they don't need to go through the process. 

"It is by law that any firm to get a government contract must follow the law whether it is in the system or not," Insists the Minister adding that a lot of bribery has been sited while awarding contracts to provide government services. Insiders in the meeting said the PS got annoyed and told the Minister that awarding contracts is a technical issue not a political issue. 

"Madam Minister just leave technical issues to me and just handle political issues," source quoted the PS saying during along heated meeting.
Sources say when the clash went high, the Minister Francis Mwebesa adjourned the meeting for another day.
Sources say when the pair left the boardroom, they exchanged hot words in the corridors. "We are tired of your corruption and this time around we shall deal with you to the last tone," Minister Ntabazi was quoted saying. In response the PS also assured her that she has nothing she can do to her. "Madam I don't fear at all. After all we are appointed by one person. So do your role and leave me alone," Another sources heard the PS fuming. Sources say as the two were almost fighting, the elderly Minister came and separated them and ordered every one to go to her office. Efforts to get comments from them were futile as no body could pick our calls.