Stakeholders in agencies and ministries affected by the policy of rationalising and merging government entities have expressed mixed reactions to the implementation. While some are ready, others are dissatisfied with certain changes. This follows President Museveni’s approval of 15 Rationalisation of Agencies and Public Expenditure (Rapex) Acts on Monday, operationalising mergers as approved by Parliament in April.
The Acts include amendments to the National Youth Council Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act, the National Women’s Council Act, and the National Council for Older Persons Act. These councils’ secretariats will merge into the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups under the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development.
Museveni also signed amendments to the National Planning Authority Act, the National Population Council Act, and the Physical Planning Act, transferring roles to the NPA. The Registration of Persons Act and Uganda Registration Services Bureau Act amendments delineate civil registration functions between NIRA and URSB. The Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre will merge, while the Non-Governmental Organisations Act dissolves the NGO Board, returning its functions to the Internal Affairs Ministry.
Other laws include amendments to the National Library Act, the Uganda Trypanosomiasis Control Council Act, and the Agricultural Chemicals Control Act. Affected ministries and agencies await statutory instruments from respective line ministers to effect changes, including staff transfers and layoffs. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Henry Musasizi, stated that funds have been budgeted to compensate those who will lose their jobs.
Reactions are varied. Maj Gen David Kasura Kyomukama from the Ministry of Agriculture said they are ready, with functions integrated into the ministry. NYC Chairperson Jacob Eyeru noted no job losses as recruitment powers remain. Charles Isabirye from the National Older Persons Council criticized the lack of consultation and changes in work modes. Charles Oleny Ojok from NPA assured a smooth integration plan but noted some top management and support staff would not be retained.
NGO sector representatives, including Ms. Sarah Birete from the Centre for Constitutional Governance, criticized the dissolution of the NGO Bureau, citing the loss of key committees for fairness and transparency. Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana from the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative emphasized the importance of the Bureau’s functions.
Despite Parliament’s initial decision to save some entities, President Museveni remains committed to the mergers, expected to save approximately Shs1 trillion, eliminate role duplication, foster budgetary discipline, and enhance service delivery.
