The process to search for a new Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) executive secretary, that was expected to start in May last year, has stalled.

The Uneb board, in a stamen issued in May last year, said the process to replace the current executive secretary, Mr Mathew Bukenya, would climax in August and the appointee takes office at the end of the year.

Sources close to Uneb, who preferred anonymity to speak freely, told Daily Monitor that the roadmap is at a standstill after the board failed to develop guidelines for the procurement of an independent firm to appoint a new executive secretary.

Mr Bukenya’s tenure in office expired on April 17 last year. The board then renewed Mr Bukenya’s contract from April 18, 2014, to November 30, 2015, arguing that this would allow a smooth transition and ensure the stability of the institution.

“The period of three months has been provided to allow the incoming executive secretary to give ample notice to his/her employer, if applicable. The new executive secretary is expected to assume office on December 1, 2015,” the Uneb board statement said then.

The Uneb board chairperson, Prof Mary Okwakol, declined to comment saying: “I know we have not started but I need time to crosscheck with the secretariat. Give me some time and I will get back to you.” She did not pick up or return repeated calls.

When asked why Uneb had not adhered to the roadmap, Education minister Jessica Alupo said: “That is a long way to go. We don’t want to speculate. We shall be frustrated by the public.”

On his part, Mr Bukenya said on Thursday Uneb will advertise locally and internationally in search for his successor.

“But give them time. We are just in May. There is still time. We have more important things to follow now like registering candidates,” he said.

“If Bukenya is not there, Uneb will still run. It’s the President to say we are behind schedule. I can assure you, they are working and they will identify somebody who will be executive secretary,” he added.

Background

Last year, Mr Fagil Mandy, the then Uneb board chairman, attempted to replace Mr Bukenya who had earlier applied to have his contract renewed for the third time. However, Mr Mandy objected, and advertised the position.

However, an investigation by the Inspector General of Government, after a petition, revealed that the process had flouted some guidelines and it was halted.

The petitioners challenged the results where, Mr John Bosco Ntangaare emerged winner after scoring 76.5 per cent, defeating seven other contenders in the race.

The complainants alleged that Mr Mandy had sidelined Mr Bukenya in the management of the institution contrary to the advice of the legal officer.

The IGG, Ms Irene Mulyangoja, faulted the appointments and disciplinary committee for limiting the applicants between the ages of 45 to 60, urging that it barred suitable candidates who were over 60 years from applying.

Ms Mulyangoja then demanded that the recruitment of the executive secretary be nullified and the process restarted.