Drama ensued at the burial of fallen ex-tourism minister Maria Mutagamba when government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa and tourism minister Prof Ephraim Kamuntu exchanged fire over ‘missing’ condolence cash.

Mutagamba who died last week was laid to rest at Gamba village in Kakuuto sub-county in Rakai district Wednesday afternoon.

It all started when Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa refused to read a condolence message from the Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities minister Prof Ephraim Kamuntu.

Nankabirwa claimed that whereas Shs 13.5m was indicated in the condolence message, the family had received only Shs 7m.

Speaking in local language Luganda, Nankabirwa tasked Kamuntu to explain the anomaly: “The condolence message from the ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities says they have given Shs 13 million but I have not yet seen the money. Where is it?

“Minister Kamuntu: Where’s the money? Speak into the microphone and tell mourners where the money is or else I will stop reading this condolence message.”

Minister Kamuntu then claimed the cash had been given to the ministry treasurer who in turn gave it to Uganda Tourism Board chairperson Dr James Rutaro.

In the end, the remaining cash was not traceable.