Finance minister Matia Kasaija has rescinded the appointment of Frank Katusiime as chairman of the board of directors, Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL).
The decision was reached after Evelyn Anite, the minister of state for investment and privatization, insisted that her own appointee, Eng Proscovia Njuki, was more qualified.
According to our sources, Kasaija who felt that Anite had made him “look small” by publically challenging his decision to appoint computer expert Katusiime, nevertheless, sought to control the damage by accepting his junior’s appointee.
Kasaija’s change of heart means that Njuki, formerly a member of the same board, is now confirmed as new board chairperson of UEGCL, replacing Dr Stephen Isabalija, who has taken on the new role of permanent secretary at the ministry of energy.
On November 28, 2016, The Observer reported that Anite had vowed that she would not withdraw her candidate unless her boss, Kasaija, put his request for her to do so in writing. She also questioned Katusiime’s suitability for the job.
That same evening, in a meeting attended by Anite, Kasaija and Keith Muhakanizi, the permanent secretary, ministry of finance, agreed to withdraw Katusiime’s appointment. Katusiime is a former board chairman of Uganda Electricity Transmission Company (UETCL).
When contacted about the latest developments, Anite said there was hardly anything to share.
“Facts [on who was a better candidate] were stated and nothing more,” Anite told The Observer yesterday. “The meeting was calm and good and we resolved that we go with Eng Proscovia Njuki.”
In the letter withdrawing Katusiime’s appointment, Kasaija said he had reached the decision after reviewing the memorandum and articles of association of UEGCL.
Njuki holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nairobi. She worked for the government for 28 years at the Uganda Television, which later became Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
She also acted as executive director of the gender advisory board of the UN Commission and Technology for Development science and technology between 2004 and 2006.
Njuki has served on different boards, including UEGCL, Multi Konsults Ltd, Mildmay Uganda, and Greenhill academy.
amwesigwa@observer.ug