Scrutiny of Acting Officials in Uganda’s Ministry of Finance
Legislative Inquiry into Staffing Issues
The Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) has recently directed its focus on the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development concerning the prolonged vacancies in key administrative roles. During a session held on February 23, 2026, officials from the ministry, including Deputy Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Patrick Ocailap, appeared before the committee to address concerns arising from the final audit report for the fiscal year 2024/2025.
Concern Over Acting Capacity
During the meeting, legislators expressed their alarm at the number of ministry officials operating in an acting capacity, many having exceeded the six-month limit stipulated by law. Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, representing JEEMA from Bugiri Municipality, underscored the negative impact of these extended acting positions on accountability. “Substantive heads of departments are essential for reporting to Parliament,” he noted. Basalirwa emphasized that such practices are unacceptable and called for a detailed written explanation from the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) regarding these irregularities.
Staffing Levels and Unemployment Implications
The Committee’s Deputy Chairperson, Hon. Gorreth Namugga, raised additional concerns about staffing inadequacies across governmental bodies, which are currently averaging at 35%. This situation, she argued, exacerbates the country’s unemployment crisis. “When one person is managing multiple roles, it not only stretches resources thin but also stifles career progression for others,” Namugga pointed out. In response, she instructed the ministry to compile a comprehensive list of staff serving in acting capacities in a bid to address the existing staffing shortages in various ministries, departments, and agencies.
Identifying Management Gaps
Hon. Sarah Opendi, the representative for Tororo District, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the implications of having too many officials working without permanent appointments. “This ongoing practice reflects a significant management gap that we must resolve,” she stated. Opendi insisted that either the PSST or the supervising minister should be held accountable for the existing irregularities.
Government Restructuring and Delays
Ocailap clarified that the delays in confirming acting directors within the ministry stem from a Cabinet decision made in 2015 aimed at reducing such positions across all ministries. He acknowledged that the review of this policy had taken longer than anticipated but noted that a recent determination allows for the retention of director roles specifically within the Ministry of Finance. The finalization of appointments to substantive positions, he explained, hinges on the successful completion of ongoing government restructuring efforts.
Moving Forward
The path ahead involves increased scrutiny of staffing practices within the Ministry of Finance and broader governmental structures. Legislators are keen to ensure that action is taken to fill vacancies promptly, thereby enhancing accountability and operational efficiency. The call for a clearer management structure is pivotal in fostering a more effective governmental framework, one that can ultimately benefit the public and contribute to lowering unemployment rates across the nation.
The discussions reflect ongoing efforts by Uganda’s government to address structural challenges that impede its effectiveness, recognizing that leadership stability is crucial for both current operations and future economic growth.
