IPC’s gender minister slams President over Hengari’s appointment

By: Ludorf Iyambo

Independent Patriot for Change (IPC) shadow minister of gender equality and child welfare, Lillian Lutuhezi, has criticised President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for appointing former Minister Mac Hengari despite ongoing criminal investigations.

Lutuhezi said Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision either shows a disregard for the safety of women or catastrophic incompetence in the vetting process.

“If the President was aware, it constitutes an unimaginable breach of public trust. If she was not, it reveals shocking failures in the administration’s basic due diligence,” said Lutuhezi.

She said the allegations against Hengari are serious.

“Despite these serious allegations, the president proceeded with her appointment. The police have confimred his arrest and collection of DNA evidence, coming only after public outcry and media pressure,” remarked Lutuhezi.

Lutuhezi added that Hengari’s case occurred at the time when 1 378 rape cases were were reported in 2022, 660 girls under 17 raped between August 2022 and June 2023. She said over 4800 cases were recorded in the past year.

Lutuhezi also challenged the silence of the current Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, questioning why no official response has been issued on a matter that directly falls under her portfolio. “Her silence is deeply concerning,” said Lutuhezi.