Parliament has undertaken a significant initiative to rationalize several government agencies, with the primary objective of enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing resource utilization.
This legislative move, witnessed during a plenary session on Wednesday chaired by Speaker Anita Among, saw the passing of five crucial bills aimed at restructuring various sectors. Among these bills were the Warehouse Receipt System (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Free Zones (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Uganda Exports Promotions Boards Act (Repeal) Bill 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre Act (Repeal) Bill 2024, and the Uganda Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2024.
One of the key agencies under scrutiny was the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA). The debate surrounding the fate of UNMA highlighted contrasting perspectives within Parliament. While some members advocated for its retention as a semi-autonomous entity, citing its specialized role in weather and climate monitoring, others questioned its financial performance and overall effectiveness.
Dr. Emmanuel Otaala, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, emphasized UNMA’s critical functions.
“The Committee noted that UNMA’s roles are specialized and specific and not duplicated at the Ministry. It is therefore important to retain UNMA as an autonomous institution, while the Ministry focuses on the development of policy.”he said
However, dissenting voices, such as that of Prof. Elijah Mushemeza, raised concerns regarding UNMA’s current financial performance and effectiveness compared to its previous operational structure.
“We are seeing the proposal that it will generate income, but he has not tabled currently how much money is being generated by the Authority.” He stated
This dissent ultimately led to the decision to return UNMA to the Ministry of Water and Environment, despite the Committee’s recommendation to retain its semi-autonomous status.
Parliament resolved to transfer the Warehouse Receipt System Authority to the Ministry of Trade Industries and Cooperatives.
This decision was prompted by concerns over the authority’s poor financial management and governance practices. Hon. Mwine Mpaka, Chairperson of the Trade Committee, highlighted these concerns.
“There has been poor absorption of funds allocated to the authority, continued utilization of funds in excess of parliamentary appropriation, and persistent carryover of funds across financial years without authorization which are indications of a poorly governed institution.”he said
The rationalization process also involved repealing the Uganda Export Promotions Act, Cap 102, to merge the Export Promotions Board with the Uganda Free Zones Authority, thereby creating the Uganda Free Zone and Exports Promotions Authority.
Additionally, Parliament passed the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre Act (Repeal) Bill 2024 and adopted the Uganda Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2024, which involved merging UWEC with UWA.
Overall, the rationalization of government agencies represents a concerted effort by Parliament to improve governance, streamline operations, and ensure optimal utilization of resources acro
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