Gov't denies contracting UK firm over NSSF boss recruitment

Sep 02, 2014

The finance ministry has denied ever contracting any firm in the UK to carry out a parallel recruitment of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) managing director

By Chris Kiwawulo             

The finance ministry has denied ever contracting any firm in the UK to carry out a parallel recruitment of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) managing director.


A document by Executives in Africa publicized in the UK had showed that initial shortlisting of candidates for the NSSF top job was slated to take place on August 29, 2014, and the final shortlist would be completed on September 26.

The search is reportedly managed by Sarah Fitzgerald as the Executives in Africa managing director and Chika Okeke as the executive consultant while the CVs (Curriculum Vitaes) were to be sent to one Edward King.

However, Jim Mugunga, the ministry’s spokesperson said; “We have never contacted anyone in UK to undertake the recruitment of the NSSF boss. That document has been circulating for about a week now.”

Former Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority Executive Director Edgar Agaba was leading his colleagues in the race to the NSSF top job with 83%, according to a report prepared by PriceWaterHouse Coopers.

Joseph Sserwanga Kitamirike was in second position with 74%, Richard Byarugaba, the former NSSF boss was in third position with 68%, Kolade Ogunisulire was fourth with 64% while David Ogong was fifth with 62%. The search was being handled by the Fund’s board and private consultants.

Finance minister Maria Kiwanuka last year directed that all executive positions at NSSF be advertised internationally. These include the post of managing director, deputy managing director and corporation secretary.

Currently, Geraldine Ssali, who was the deputy managing director holds the position of the acting NSSF managing director. She replaced Byarugaba who tenure expired on December 31, 2013. David Nambale is the NSSF Corporation secretary.

In early July, Parliament agreed to set up a select committee to investigate recruitment of Managing Director and other top officials of NSSF. This followed reports that there could have been irregularities in the selection and recruitment process.

The MPs also want the committee to investigate graft in NSSF. The decision to set up a probe committee was reached after a submission by Aruu MP Odonga Otto about alleged corruption in the Fund.

Otto informed Parliament that interviews were conducted by NSSF board and PricewaterhouseCoopers for the position of managing director, deputy managing director and Corporation Secretary.

The results, Otto said, were made public showing that Agaba, was the best candidate for the position of managing director, Patrick Ayota for deputy and Richard Wabwire Wejura for the position of Corporation Secretary, but these people were not being appointed. 
 

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