Mugasha new C’wealth deputy chief

UGANDA’S first woman head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Florence Mugasha, has been appointed to a new prestigious position of Deputy Secretary General (Political) of the 54-member Commonwealth, reports John Kakande.Mugasha was upbeat yesterday when The New Vision contacted her for a comment. “I feel great. I am ready to take up the challenge. I feel it is an honour to our country to be allowed to serve in such a position in the Commonwealth,” Mugasha said.Mugasha becomes the second Ugandan to join the Commonwealth secretariat in recent times. A Ugandan journalist, Joel Kibazo, formerly working for one of the leading British newspapers, The Financial Times, also recently joined the secretariat and featured prominently as spokesperson at the Commonwealth Summit in Australia.A statement issued yesterday from London by the Commonwealth secretariat said Mugasha, a senior Ugandan civil servant, would succeed Mr. Krishnan Srinivasan of India, and become the second woman to hold the post. Mugasha assumes office on May 1, 2002. She will be responsible for political, legal, constitutional and human rights issues. She will also have responsibility for youth affairs, science and technology as well administration. Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said, “I am delighted to have Florence Mugasha on board as the Commonwealth prepares to take on the challenges of the 21st century. “I am sure that her long experience will enrich our team and that she will enjoy the full support and co-operation of all Commonwealth governments.” “I am excited by the prospect of contributing to this unique and dynamic organisation of 54 countries straddling the globe,” said Mugasha.“Having attended the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, I greatly look forward to assisting the Secretary-General in implementing the mandates agreed in Australia. It is a privilege to serve the people of the Commonwealth as a new chapter begins,” she added.Mugasha said she has made her contribution here and that “it is high time for me to move on.” She said she served six years as a permanent secretary and another six years as head of the civil service.Asked how she felt as the second woman to serve in her new post, Mugasha said, “I feel great. I feel challenged. It’s an opportunity to show we can also perform.”