Museveni Rejects NRM MPs' Push for Role in Top Civil Servant Appointments

President Yoweri Museveni turned down a suggestion from National Resistance Movement (NRM) lawmakers to participate in selecting top civil servants, including Permanent Secretaries, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs).

The idea emerged during an NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi, where party Secretary General Richard Todwong presented draft resolutions. MPs argued their involvement was essential for implementing the party manifesto and enhancing service delivery.

Museveni, serving as NRM National Chairperson, immediately rejected it, questioning if political meddling would solve existing issues. ‘If you bring in political interference… is that part of the problem now?’ he remarked.

He confessed to contributing to the issue by placing unsuccessful politicians on key commissions like the Public Service Commission and Education Service Commission. ‘We normally recycle politicians who have not succeeded here and put them on the commissions,’ Museveni stated.

This echoes prior concerns raised by Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe in a 2024 letter to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija. She highlighted Museveni’s frustration with favoritism-driven appointments to statutory boards, citing disruptions at agencies like URBRA and the Tax Appeals Tribunal caused by ex-MPs treating part-time roles as full-time jobs.

Examples include former MPs on boards of Uganda Airlines, Civil Aviation Authority, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, UNRA, NDA, NMS, and National Planning Authority.

Despite the rejection, NRM MPs agreed to back merit-based recruitment and reshuffles for senior officials to boost efficiency.

Source: Daily Monitor