Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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President Yoweri Museveni has rejected a proposal by legislators from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) seeking a formal role in recommending appointments to key government positions, including Permanent Secretaries, Resident District and City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs), and Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs).
The proposal, presented during the NRM retreat by party Secretary General Richard Todwong, argued that legislators should have input in appointing these officials due to their role in implementing the party’s manifesto. However, President Museveni firmly rejected the suggestion, warning against political interference in the public service.
President Museveni (Image courtesy of The Kamwokya Times )
In a candid admission, the President acknowledged that he has previously contributed to the problem by appointing unsuccessful politicians to key government commissions and boards. “We normally recycle politicians who have not succeeded here and put them on the commissions,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that appointments to technical and administrative positions should remain insulated from political influence, aligning with long standing concerns raised by the Head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe. He noted that she has consistently opposed the involvement of politicians in such appointments.
A previous communication from Nakyobe to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija highlighted the President’s frustrations with the practice, citing cases where political appointees on statutory boards had disrupted operations. Institutions such as the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) and the Tax Appeals Tribunal were referenced as examples where board members with political backgrounds allegedly blurred professional boundaries and engaged in partisan activities.
The issue reflects a broader pattern in Uganda’s public sector, where former politicians have often been appointed to leadership roles in parastatals and government agencies. While such appointments are sometimes justified by experience, critics argue they can undermine professionalism and accountability.
Source - Daily Monitor
The proposal, presented during the NRM retreat by party Secretary General Richard Todwong, argued that legislators should have input in appointing these officials due to their role in implementing the party’s manifesto. However, President Museveni firmly rejected the suggestion, warning against political interference in the public service.
President Museveni (Image courtesy of The Kamwokya Times )
In a candid admission, the President acknowledged that he has previously contributed to the problem by appointing unsuccessful politicians to key government commissions and boards. “We normally recycle politicians who have not succeeded here and put them on the commissions,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that appointments to technical and administrative positions should remain insulated from political influence, aligning with long standing concerns raised by the Head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe. He noted that she has consistently opposed the involvement of politicians in such appointments.
A previous communication from Nakyobe to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija highlighted the President’s frustrations with the practice, citing cases where political appointees on statutory boards had disrupted operations. Institutions such as the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) and the Tax Appeals Tribunal were referenced as examples where board members with political backgrounds allegedly blurred professional boundaries and engaged in partisan activities.
The issue reflects a broader pattern in Uganda’s public sector, where former politicians have often been appointed to leadership roles in parastatals and government agencies. While such appointments are sometimes justified by experience, critics argue they can undermine professionalism and accountability.
Source - Daily Monitor
