I’m still acting IGG, says Baku
May 28, 2009
Raphael Baku insists that he is still the acting Inspector General of Government in spite of Justice Faith Mwondha’s return to office from her annual leave.
By Barbara Among
Raphael Baku insists that he is still the acting Inspector General of Government in spite of Justice Faith Mwondha’s return to office from her annual leave.
“As far as I am concerned, the instructions directing me to act as the IGG have not been withdrawn by the appointing authority,†Baku said. “I am continuing with my work and there is a lot on my desk.â€
Baku said if the status quo is to change, then it should come from the appointing authority.
During a staff meeting held last Friday, Baku cautioned staff against taking parallel instructions.
Mwondha returned to the Inspectorate of Government on Wednesday to resume her duties as the IGG. She immediately issued two memos to staff and cancelled an administrative meeting Baku had called for today.
The head of public relations, Simon Opolot, said work was going on normally and Mwondha resumed work as IGG, while Baku performed his duty as deputy.
He, however, said Baku would officiate at a function to be held today at the Colline Hotel Mukono district to pass out staff members who had been trained on forensic investigation.
Information minister Kabakumba Masiko last month circulated a letter to the media saying Baku had been assigned to take charge until a substantive IGG was appointed.
Presidential press secretary Tamale Mirundi said Mwondha’s action was tantamount to blackmailing the President.
“The best arbiter in this case would be the courts. She went to court and that was the right decision. But before the court could decide, she is back. This appears like blackmail,†he said, adding Mwondha was expected to remain on leave until the matter was settled.
He said the issue was not about the President making a pronouncement on the matter but about respect of institutions. “The President has the power to appoint but he also respects institutions. What is happening is causing institutional conflict and a blackmail of the President.â€
Kabakumba yesterday said she did not know the circumstances under which Mwondha resumed work.
Deputy Attorney General, Freddie Ruhindi, declined to comment saying the matter was before court.
The latest development could stir up the dust again between the IGG and Parliament, which had settled following Mwondha’s departure for leave last month.
President Yoweri Museveni reappointed Mwondha as IGG in February but she was asked to appear before the parliamentary appointments committee for vetting. This was on the advice of the Attorney General.
Mwondha refused, arguing that since she was vetted the first time she took office, there was no need to undergo the same process.
Museveni then re-appointed Baku as deputy IGG and instructed him to take charge of the Inspectorate.
However, the President had sworn an affidavit earlier in which he said he had not reversed Mwondha’s appointment.
Museveni also affirmed in the affidavit that he had not withdrawn the instrument reappointing Mwondha as IGG.
Armed with the President’s affidavit, a group of 22 people last month petitioned the Constitutional Court, seeking to have Mwondha keep her job without being subjected to re-vetting. The petition and another petition earlier filed by a private lawyer have not been heard by the court.
The Constitutional Court last week over-ruled Cabinet’s decision to halt Mwondha’s salary.
The court ruled that Mwondha should continue receiving her pay until the petition about her re-appointment was disposed of.
Related story on National new section
Raphael Baku insists that he is still the acting Inspector General of Government in spite of Justice Faith Mwondha’s return to office from her annual leave.
“As far as I am concerned, the instructions directing me to act as the IGG have not been withdrawn by the appointing authority,†Baku said. “I am continuing with my work and there is a lot on my desk.â€
Baku said if the status quo is to change, then it should come from the appointing authority.
During a staff meeting held last Friday, Baku cautioned staff against taking parallel instructions.
Mwondha returned to the Inspectorate of Government on Wednesday to resume her duties as the IGG. She immediately issued two memos to staff and cancelled an administrative meeting Baku had called for today.
The head of public relations, Simon Opolot, said work was going on normally and Mwondha resumed work as IGG, while Baku performed his duty as deputy.
He, however, said Baku would officiate at a function to be held today at the Colline Hotel Mukono district to pass out staff members who had been trained on forensic investigation.
Information minister Kabakumba Masiko last month circulated a letter to the media saying Baku had been assigned to take charge until a substantive IGG was appointed.
Presidential press secretary Tamale Mirundi said Mwondha’s action was tantamount to blackmailing the President.
“The best arbiter in this case would be the courts. She went to court and that was the right decision. But before the court could decide, she is back. This appears like blackmail,†he said, adding Mwondha was expected to remain on leave until the matter was settled.
He said the issue was not about the President making a pronouncement on the matter but about respect of institutions. “The President has the power to appoint but he also respects institutions. What is happening is causing institutional conflict and a blackmail of the President.â€
Kabakumba yesterday said she did not know the circumstances under which Mwondha resumed work.
Deputy Attorney General, Freddie Ruhindi, declined to comment saying the matter was before court.
The latest development could stir up the dust again between the IGG and Parliament, which had settled following Mwondha’s departure for leave last month.
President Yoweri Museveni reappointed Mwondha as IGG in February but she was asked to appear before the parliamentary appointments committee for vetting. This was on the advice of the Attorney General.
Mwondha refused, arguing that since she was vetted the first time she took office, there was no need to undergo the same process.
Museveni then re-appointed Baku as deputy IGG and instructed him to take charge of the Inspectorate.
However, the President had sworn an affidavit earlier in which he said he had not reversed Mwondha’s appointment.
Museveni also affirmed in the affidavit that he had not withdrawn the instrument reappointing Mwondha as IGG.
Armed with the President’s affidavit, a group of 22 people last month petitioned the Constitutional Court, seeking to have Mwondha keep her job without being subjected to re-vetting. The petition and another petition earlier filed by a private lawyer have not been heard by the court.
The Constitutional Court last week over-ruled Cabinet’s decision to halt Mwondha’s salary.
The court ruled that Mwondha should continue receiving her pay until the petition about her re-appointment was disposed of.
Related story on National new section