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Obua explained that rationalization aims to streamline government operations by eliminating duplication, creating a leaner structure
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By Our Reporter
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament have agreed to back President Museveni’s push for the rationalization of 16 government agencies, with only the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the National Information and Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) granted special extensions of three years as transition periods.
This decision was announced by Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, during a press briefing at Parliament, marking a setback for staff in the affected agencies who were hoping for reprieve. Obua emphasized that staff with expertise in these agencies will not be left without roles, as the government plans to absorb them into relevant ministries.
Obua said that the experts will be integrated within the government structure
"We aren’t saying that experts in UCDA or any other affected entities will pack up and go home," Obua clarified. "These experts will be integrated within the government structure, specifically in departments created within each ministry, rather than maintaining semi-autonomous bodies with boards and parallel structures."
The decision to give UCDA and NITA-U special treatment stems from specific challenges. Obua noted that UCDA requires time to secure international accreditation, while NITA-U needs to complete two key infrastructure projects funded by loans from the World Bank and the Chinese government.
Obua's letter on the resolution
Regarding UCDA, Obua reiterated the importance of coffee to Uganda's economy and the global market: "Coffee remains a strategic crop at national, regional, and international levels. As long as farmers continue cultivating coffee, and global demand remains high, the market for coffee will persist."
Obua explained that rationalization aims to streamline government operations by eliminating duplication, creating a leaner structure. A department dedicated to strategic crops, including coffee, will be established under the Ministry of Agriculture, and international accreditation for this department is expected to take time.
"The three-year transition period allows the Ministry of Agriculture to reorganize and complete the accreditation process, ensuring that Uganda’s coffee industry remains competitive globally," Obua concluded.
Some of the affected entities
Under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has been merged with the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
In the Ministry of Public Service, the National Records and Archives Centre Law has been removed.
The National Youth Council, National Women's Council, National Children's Authority, National Council for Disability, and National Council for Older Persons have been merged into one secretariat.
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