By Ibrahim Kasita

Maria Kiwanuka, the finance minister, has finally inaugurated the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBA) board members that will preside over the anticipated pension sector reforms. Andrew Kasirye, a prominent city lawyer is the chairman.

Other members are Dr. Robert Okello, a retired civil servant, Keith Muhakanizi the deputy secretary to the treasury, Rosemary Ssenabulya, the Federation of Uganda Employers boss and Christine Kintu, the permanent secretary in the labour ministry.

“Being a new institution, building trust in the general public will be paramount in the discharge of your duties and responsibilities. You must act transparently and diligently, and independent of external influence,” Kiwanuka appealed.

“I should remind you that you have been appointed as board members based on your individual merit and not representing any interest groups.

This has been done to ensure effective regulation,” the minister said on Wednesday.

Kiwanuka said the immediate task of the board includes finalising the regulations and issuing guidelines for licensing of retirement benefits schemes, putting in place management structures and appointing the chief executive officers for the authority.