Katureebe calls for better remuneration of commissioners

KAMPALA-The Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe, has called for better pay for the new public commissioners as they were sworn in to execute/discharge their duties.

Katureebe stressed that it was important to have well-constituted public commissions up to the task and the commissioners should be well remunerated.

"A poorly remunerated public servant is dangerous," Katurebe told guests during the swearing-in of new commissioners at High Court in Kampala recently.

Four new commissioners for different government agencies were sworn in and they included the chairperson of Education Service Commission, Rev. Prof Samuel Abimerech Luboga who has replaced by Hajji Badru Lubega Wagwa, vice-chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Cox Joel Ojuko together with his colleague Denise Tumusiime and Stella Achan for the Uganda Land Commission.

The Chief Justice also emphasised that the appointed commissioners should be well disciplined as they carry out the mandate of different commissions.

"It's very important to have strong public service commission and very well disciplined public servants," he said.

Katurebe challenged the new commissioner for Uganda Land Commission to be up to the task as the commission plays a critical role in administering public land especially at the time of rampant land grabbing cases.

He advised the chairperson of the Education Service Commission to ensure that the quality of education is of high standards as the future of Uganda will depend on the quality of education offered to young people. 

 On equity for all citizens of Uganda Katureebe pointed out that every citizen has to participate in building the country irrespective of one's tribe, creed or religion without discrimination as it is stipulated in the Constitution.

Rev Prof Luboga pledged to ensure that teachers are held in high esteem as they are instrumental in national development.

He said he will utilise his 38 years of teaching experience in ensuring the quality of teaching is of high standards and effective learning for the learners.

He said he would do everything possible to discharge responsibility with fairness and preserve the name of education service commission and speak as one voice with his colleagues.

Prof Luboga told guests that he is committed to serving the education sector even under difficult circumstances without wavering.

Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi, the chairperson of EOC, informed the Chief Justice and guests that there is a need to bridge the gap against all forms of discrimination to realise equity for all citizens of Uganda.

She said the commission is enthusiastic to execute its mandate since it is now fully constituted after the appointment of her vice-chairperson.

She told the audience that the commission will ensure gender equality and eliminate all forms of discrimination.

The head of public service and secretary to the Cabinet John Mitala advised the new appointed commissioners to maintain high integrity and avoid telling lies and deception.

"If you tell lies, your integrity will be shattered," Mitala told the new commissioners.

Charles Bakabulindi, the state minister for education of sports advised the Education Service Commission chairperson that the task ahead of him especially the recruitment of teachers was not simple as he has to guard against those who obtain fake certificates from Nkurumah Road.