Turyahikayo reappointed ERA boss

The permanent secretary in the ministry of finance, Keith Muhakanizi, has reappointed Eng. Godfrey Turyahikayo as accounting officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) but under tough conditions.

In a letter dated July 16, 2019, Muhakanizi said as the accounting officer Turyahikayo must comply and ensure compliance by his ministry with the financial provisions of the constitution and the public finance management act, financial regulations 2016, the treasury instruction2017 and treasury circular issued by the ministry of finance from time to time.

Turyahikayo will also be required to make sure that his work plan and procurement plan clearly spell out those activities that will lead to the attainment of the budget strategy and should be consistent with those approved by parliament in the ministerial policy statement.

"The work-plan and procurement plan should be the same as that approved by parliament in the ministerial policy statement. This is the basis for the formulation of the performance contracts against which you will be assessed, and the release of funds will be based on submission of clear procurement plans and cash flow projections for your vote," Muhakanizi wrote.

The Public Finance Management Act section 11 (2), empowers the permanent secretary to annually appoint accounting officers for various ministries, departments and agencies as custodians of the funds allocated to the sectors.

Muhakanizi, citing President Yoweri's letter dated March 31, 2019, also warned him against irregular recruitment of staff without authority.

He said as an accounting officer, Turyahikayo must ensure amongst other things that no recruitment in the course of the financial year is made without any approved funds in the budget.

"Send me a formal acceptance in writing of your appointment as accounting officer with the responsibilities described above together with a duly signed performance contract not later than two weeks from the date of this letter," the letter reads.

"Your appointment as an accounting officer will not become effective until I have received a formal acceptance and signed performance contract," Muhakanizi added.

Turyahikayo's re-appointment comes a week after President Yoweri Museveni directed the Energy Minister Iren Muloni not to sack him.

In a letter dated July 8, Museveni said the status quo should be maintained for one year until he concludes investigations in the massive corruption in the sector.

"In reference to my telephone conversation, this is to direct you and the board of Rural Electrification Agency that the status quo of the management should be maintained for one year so that I conclude the massive corruption there," the President said.

"I will not accept any changes there until my investigations are concluded. My quick audit has already exposed massive theft of government resources," he added.

Turyahikayo was among the four accounting officers who were dropped in July during the reshuffle.

The others are; Kogole Kivumbi (Judiciary), Prof. Charles Kwesiga (Uganda Industrial Research Institute), and Rogers Muhirwe (Uganda Police Force).

On July 1, Muhakanizi wrote to the head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet John Mitala to propose new names to replace the dropped officers.

Although New Vision could not confirm whether Muhakanizi had confirmed Turyahikayo's appointment, information indicates that he (Turyahikayo) had formally written, accepting the appointment.