Movt Axes 78 Officials

SEVENTY-eight employees of the Movement Secretariat have been retrenched in a major restructuring exercise, reports Felix Osike. The secretariat has also promoted, transferred and increased salaries for the remaining staff. Sources said yesterday the decision followed recommendations by a human resources committee formed in 1998 to review the secretariat's performance. "We have removed them from the payroll. It is not a victimisation of Besigye supporters. These things began even before Besigye came on the scene. The old structure was too big," Director of Mass Mobilisation Magode Ikuya whose section was most affected, said. Ikuya said the exercise followed a decision of the National Executive Committee to reduce the work force and improve conditions of service. "The NEC decision could not be put into effect immediately because it had financial implications. But we negotiated with the Ministry of Finance and funding was secured," Magode said. The bulk of those retrenched either joined the secretariat without requisite qualifications or were incompetent. Others were indisciplined or found with forged papers. Those affected include 71 middle level officers and seven lower level employees, some of whom opted for retirement. Among those retrenched are 25 district mobilisers in Resident District Commissioners offices countrywide. About 20 political appointees, mainly historical members and former RDCs, may be sent home soon. The former Director of School of Political Education, Kyakwanzi, Tarsis Bayenzaki, is among those to be struck off the payroll. Ends