Bisika cleared by Malawi Aids Commission of any wrong doing

National Aids Commission (NAC) executive director Thomas Bisika who was sent on forced leave  last October, to pave way for investigations, has been cleared of any wrong oing according of  the minutes of a NAC Board extraordinary meeting held at Wamkulu Palace in Lilongwe on December 17, 2014.

Bisika was suspended in October 2014 pending an independent investigation into the NAC operations.

According to minutes which were quoted in the Daily Times, signed by board chairperson, Mara Kumbweza Banda, indicate the Board considered an Investigative Audit Report on NAC operations conducted by the National Audit Office (Nao) and concluded that the findings, which have not yet been made public, were incomplete and inconclusive.

“As an example, no details of actual Heads of Department interviewed were given although reference has been made to such; reference to unauthorised use of vehicles made while documentary evidence shows such authorisation was granted. Among others, Board was of the view that in a number of areas the Auditors should have engaged the Executive Director and got his feedback on the issues prior to drawing the conclusions made,” the meeting observed.

The Board decided that a disciplinary hearing be constituted either by the Board or Committee of the Board to clear the issues and hear the Executive Director out.

In addition the Board noted that the Auditors had extended their investigations to other areas which were not clearly specified in the original Terms of Reference the meeting also observed.

The Board, however, noted the recommended actions made and would be adhered to such, including disciplinary hearing for the concerned parties.

The minutes also say the Board was concerned with the vacuum at the secretariat due to the continued extended leave of the Executive Director and the fact that all senior positions at Nac are being held in an acting capacity.

It agreed, according to the minutes, to recall Bisika from leave.

When contacted Bisika  insisted that he was on “leave” and had not received any updates on the matter. He  referred the reporter to the Nac Board Chairperson.

When contacted for comments, Kumbweza Banda refused to shed light on the meeting saying the document containing the minutes is confidential only known by her personal assistant and the Chief Secretary to Government.

“I will not respond to this until you give me the name of the person who gave you those minutes,” she said.

In conclusion, Board asked the Chairperson to seek an audience for the Board to meet with the Chief Secretary to discuss the Nac outstanding issues.

Apart from Kumbweza Banda, other members that attended the meeting included Reverend G. Kapuma, Senior Chief Malemia, Senior Chief Makwangwala, Professor John Uta and S.B Chikoti.

The other members present included Secretary for Health Chris Kang’ombe, Mr. Sandikonda representing Secretary Nutrition HIV/Aids and a Mr. Pangani who was representing Secretary Nutrition HIV /Aids.

Former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika appointed Bisika as executive director in September 2010.

Before joining NAC, Bisika worked as health system adviser to the World Health Organisation (WHO) based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Bisika also worked as programme specialist for the United Nations Population Fund.

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