New shocking evidence has been uncover about the plot by the Finance minister Matia Kasaija to ring-fence the important office of executive director of Public Procurement Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA).
As this news site had reported, Hon. Kasaija is allegedly using his position as a minister has blocked the appointment of Eng. Dr. Anania Mbabazi who has been picked to replace PPDA ED Cornelia Sabiiti. Ms Sabiiti’s term in office has expired and he was last week supposed to handover the office to experinced Mbabazi.
However this was not to be as an impromptu order was issued by Mr Kasaija that the handover ceremony is canceled under unexplained circumstances.
This is surprising because Eng. Dr. Anania Mbabazi emerged the best candidate for the job following rigorous interviews that were conducted by DAMA consultants, a reputable recruiting agency.
TheUgandan has seen Eng. Dr. Mbabazi’s appointment letter signed by PPDA board chairman Simeon Wanyama. The letter is dated February 01, 2017.
According to the letter, Eng. Dr. Mbabazi was supposed to accept the terms and conditions in writing before February 07, a condition he has duly abided by.
How ED is selected
According to PPDA Act, 2003, the “Board shall appoint an Executive Director on contract for three years, renewable for only one further term, and on terms and conditions to be specified in his or her instrument of appointment.”
“Following the interviews that you underwent, I am pleased to inform you that the PPDA Board of Directors found you as the most suitable candidate for the above position (PPDA ED),” Mr Wanyama’s letter to Eng Dr Mbabazi reads in part.
According to the appointment letter that we have obtained, the new PPDA ED will earn Shs24m salary per month and entitled to other benefits stated in his contract of employment.
TheUgandan has also learnt that Minister Kasaija has a preferred candidate by the name Aloysious Byaruhanga whom he wants the board to appoint in total disregard of the due process.
This news site understands that Eng. Dr. Mbabazi did interviews with Ms Allen Kagina for the UNRA top job before the latter was appointed the Authority’s ED although it was believed again that Dr Mbabai was better suited but was elbowed out.
The board chairman, Mr Wanyama who is highly known to be a man of high moral stand has told his close friends that he will step down if the due process of the selection is tampered with.
PPDA mandate
The mandate of the PPDA is to advise Central Government, local governments and other procuring and disposing entities on all public procurement and disposal policies, principles and practices.
The entity is also supposed to monitor and report on the performance of the public procurement and disposal systems in Uganda and advise on desirable changes.
