Absence of BOU's Deputy Governor not affecting operations - gov't

Feb 25, 2020

However, the speaker of Parliament Kadaga has tasked the ministry to push for the appointment of the new Deputy Governor saying it is a constitutional provision.

ECONOMY

KAMPALA - The ministry of finance, planning and economic development has told Parliament that the absence of the deputy governor at  Bank of Uganda (BOU) should be no reason for worry, adding that work at the Central Bank is progressing normally.

According to Haruna Kasolo, the state minister of finance in charge of microfinance, the Bank's governor  Emmanuel Mutebile and the board are working closely to cover any gaps that may surface as a result of the absence of the deputy governor.

"I would like to assure you and the entire country that the governor Bank of Uganda, together with the board and management are fully in charge of the bank's affairs. There is no reason for concern about any lapse with respect to its policies and strategic direction," Kasolo said.

Kasolo was responding to a question, earlier asked by Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, regarding the delay by the government to fill the vacant position of Deputy Governor Bank of Uganda, after the Louis Kasekende's contract expired.

Mawanda wondered whether the delay to fill the position has no impact on the bank's policies and strategic direction.

However, the speaker of Parliament Kadaga has tasked the ministry to push for the appointment of the new Deputy Governor saying it is a constitutional provision.

"You cannot say there is no reason for concern. These are public positions and they should be filled. I think you need to prevail on the appointing authority to make these appointments," Kadaga said.

The appointment of the Deputy Governor as provided for under Article 161(3)(a)of the Constitution which partly states that "the Governor, the Deputy Governor & Members of the Board shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.

Kasekende's contract as Deputy Governor of Bank of Uganda came to an end on January 14, 2020. President Yoweri Museveni didn't renew his contract. He has served at the Bank of Uganda, for the last 17 years, in different capacities, including Deputy Governor.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});