A special Cabinet meeting held last Thursday decided to submit more than 30 bills to Parliament, aiming to merge various government agencies, commissions, and authorities. Vice President Jessica Alupo chaired the session at State House, Entebbe.
Mr. Godfrey Kabyanga, the Minister of State for Information and National Guidance, explained that since these agencies were established by Acts of Parliament, the same Acts would need to be repealed. He mentioned that initially, they proposed an omnibus bill, but they would now present the bills sector-wise for thorough debate by parliamentary committees.
Mr. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the chairperson of the parliamentary Public Service and Local Government Committee, highlighted that approximately 2,170 staff positions would be abolished due to the merger, along with 102 director and commissioner roles.
However, Mr. Kabyanga emphasized that the actual number of job losses might decrease as new positions would be created during the merger. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Public Service would assess the net loss or gain of jobs and focus on reducing administrative costs.
The ruling National Resistance Movement party Parliamentary Caucus, led by President Museveni, endorsed the merger process during their meeting last Friday. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the government spokesperson, clarified that the bills aimed to repeal or amend laws establishing these institutions to streamline government agencies and operations.
Among the agencies affected by the merger are the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission, and the Health Service Commission. Dr. Baryomunsi explained that some agencies would be returned to their parent ministries, while others would be consolidated or merged.
The Parliament’s Public Service and Local Government Committee estimated that the government would require an additional Shs79.3 billion in the financial year 2024/2025 to compensate workers affected by the job abolishment.
The process of merging government entities began in 2018, with a Cabinet-appointed team reviewing 157 entities to enhance service delivery. The bills aim to implement these recommendations and optimize government operations.
