UNEB to appoint new chairman today

Apr 29, 2014

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is scheduled to appoint its interim chairperson today, days after Fagil Mandy resigned from the position.

By Taddeo Bwambale

KAMPALA - The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) is scheduled to appoint its interim chairperson today, days after Fagil Mandy resigned from the position.

Mandy, who quit on Friday, said he was uncomfortable with the extension of UNEB executive secretary Matthew Bukenya’s contract.

“I have asked the board to meet tomorrow [Tuesday] and choose someone who will work in acting capacity,” education minister Jessica Alupo said on Monday.

Bukenya has been at the helm of the examinations body for 16 years.

Last week, President Yoweri Museveni ordered the extension of Bukenya’s contract, pending the recruitment of his successor.

Mandy, in several media interviews, said his resignation was prompted by the reappointment of Bukenya without consulting the board.

Section 12 of the UNEB Act states: “There shall be a secretary to the board who shall be appointed by the board, with the approval of the minister, on such terms and conditions as it may think fit.”

Mandy was appointed in 2012, succeeding Prof. Lutalo Bbosa.

In April last year, Mandy attempted to force Bukenya out of UNEB, saying his term had expired. He also started a process to recruit Bukenya’s successor, which the Inspector General of Government described as irregular and put on hold. Some officials at UNEB had expressed discomfort at his management style and alleged meddling in the day-to-day affairs at UNEB.

Sources at UNEB said Mandy was earning sh3m monthly in addition to an allowance of between sh380,000 and sh320,000 for chairing meetings of the board or committes.

According to the minister, Mandy is expected to hand over to his successor after he has been identified.

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