The Inspector General of Government has directed the Minister of Education, Ms Jessica Alupo, to halt the appointment of a new UNEB executive secretary following complaints of influence peddling in the process.

In her letter dated January 15, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, observed that her office registered complaints that the recruitment process for the post at the Uganda National Examination Board had been flouted by the chairman, Mr Fagil Mandy.

Specifically it was alleged that “Mr Mandy with no human resource competences personally designed the job advertisement for the post despite UNEB having a fully-fledged human resource department with competent staff.”

A total of 53 candidates applied for the job to replace Mr Mathew Bukenya, whose contract ended last year, but eight names were shortlisted and forwarded to President Museveni to zero on the suitable candidate. Among the likely contenders is Mr John Bosco Ntangaare, who also reportedly scored best in the interviews with 76.5 percent.

Accusation

But in the letter copied to Mr Mandy and the Education ministry PS, Ms Rose Nassali, the IGG wrote that it was further reported that Mr Mandy “who is a member of the Uganda Theatrical Fraternity convinced Dr [Mirembe] Ntangaare, a lecturer at the Department of Music, Dance and Drama at Makerere University and an associate of his to sell the idea to her husband to apply for the job that was about to be advertised and when he did so Mr Ntangaare was favoured throughout the whole process.”

Mr Ntangaare, 50, currently heads the department of examinations at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda. Afterwards it is reported that, “Mr Mandy decreed that all applications be addressed to him and he personally handled the long and short listing of the applications.”

“At the time of shortlisting which was done on 8th October 2013, the UNEB Board’ term had expired on 2nd August and anew board was not inaugurated till 30th. The relevant Appointments and Disciplinary Committee of the Board that was supposed to handle the recruitment process was only appointed on 23rd December which means that short listing was done without approval of the Board or its relevant committee,” the letter reads in part.

Neither Minister Alupo nor Mr Mandy could be reached for a comment. Mr Mandy is also accused of bias against other contenders and hurriedly disclosing to the press that Mr Ntangaare was tipped for the job, among others.