Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have raised concerns over the continued acting appointment of Godfrey Ssemugooma at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, noting that he has served in an acting capacity for 11 years.
The issue was raised during a PAC meeting with officials from the Ministry of Public Service convened to review findings in the 2024/25 Auditor General’s report.
Vice Chairperson Gorreth Namugga questioned why Ssemugooma has remained in an acting position for over a decade despite public service regulations limiting acting appointments to six months.
Committee members said the prolonged acting role raises concerns about compliance with government human resource policies and the timely confirmation of senior public officials.
During the meeting, Asuman Basalirwa also criticised the practice of extended acting appointments within government institutions.
“Last time when we were here, we discussed the issue of acting and there were some cases that were highlighted. But as a committee, we are concerned that some people on your side have been in acting capacity for a very long time,” Basalirwa said.
He pointed specifically to Ssemugooma’s case, describing it as unusual.
“There was a specific case of Mr. Ssemugooma, who had acted and acted and acted. Even in the position where he was acting, he was also acting. So that specific case drew the attention of this committee and we want you to throw some light on it,” he added.
PAC has been scrutinising government ministries and agencies over issues raised in the Auditor General’s report, including compliance with public service regulations and accountability in public administration.
