New medal awards committee inaugurated

AWARDS

KAMPALA - The new presidential awards committee (PAC) has been inaugurated. The minister for presidency, Esther Mbayo, inaugurated the committee at the office of the president in Kampala on Tuesday. The committee, which includes old and new members, will serve for the next five years.

It comprises six members; former minister for presidency, Beatrice Wabudeya, John Karazaarwe, the senior presidential advisor on local governments, Gen. Salim Saleh, the senior presidential advisor on defense,  and David Bakibinga, a professor of commercial law.

Others are David Gabindadde-Musoke and Capt. John Emily Otekat. Gabinddande-Musoke, Bakibinga, and Otekat are new members on the committee and have replaced prof. Lawrence Mukiibi and J.A Ocaya Lakidi, who have since passed on. Dr. Jesudas Mwanje has "retired" from the committee after ten years of service.

Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya taking an oath of secrecy before the Minister for Presidency Esther Mbayo (right) during the swearing-in ceremony of the new members of the Presidential Awards Committee at the office of the President. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

The PAC was formed ten years ago, and given the mandate to advise the president on persons who deserve to be honoured. The PAC functions are laid out in the National Honours and Awards Act, 2001.

"Granting honours is a gracious, tangible and lasting way to recognize people who have made a contribution to Uganda through outstanding acts of bravery, contributions to society and humanity in general," Mbayo said.

Dr.Jesudas Mwanje an outgoing member of the Presidential awards committee (second right) acknowledges receipt of a gift handed over to him by Minister for Presidency Esther Mbayo (right). Looking on second left is the chairperson of the committee Dr,Beatrice Wabudeya. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

She noted that that practice of granting national honours and awards is more about motivating the entire nation than rewarding an individual.

"I would like to thank you for accepting to work with us on PAC; this is an honourable assignment that the president has bestowed on you. I would also like to thank the old committee members for the good work you are doing," the minister added.

Wabudeya has been the PAC chairperson for one term so far and has started her second five year-tenure. Prof. Mondo Kagonyera was the first PAC chairperson. He served for one term and was replaced by Wabudeya.