Legislators call for oversight, timely selection of UPPC Board of Directors

The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has called upon the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) to establish a board of directors as a vital requirement for effective corporate governance.

During a report presentation by the chairperson, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, it was revealed that UPPC has been operating without a board of directors since the dissolution of the previous board in August 2021. This absence of a board is in violation of Section 6 of the UPPC Act, 1992, according to the report.

Ssenyonyi expressed concern about the misrepresentation of the corporation’s financial position, which could be misleading, as well as the accumulation of outstanding payables by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These outstanding payables continue to attract interest from Uganda Revenue Authority and irregular cash flows were also identified.

Hon. Elijah Mushemeza, the representative for Sheema South, criticized the Attorney General for the inclusion of unfavourable contractual provisions between UPPC and some of its service providers, such as Veridos GMBH, which adversely affected the entity’s performance. He raised questions about the Office of the Attorney General, suggesting possible understaffing or other issues.

“For the last two years, I have observed that there is a problem in the Office of the Attorney General. Is it because of under staffing?  What is the problem?” he asked.  

Hon. Jane Avur Pachuto, the MP for Pakwach District, emphasized the importance of a board that monitors the corporation and establishes an organizational structure.

Hon. Christine Kaaya, the Kiboga District Woman Representative, called for the timely selection of a board and emphasized the need for legislative approval.

“I request that Parliament gets to know from time to time the operations of UPPC so that it fulfils its oversight roles,” she said.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa cautioned the House about the cost implications of demanding forensic audits, suggesting that such audits should be considered as a last resort after exhausting all available investigative avenues by committees.

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, appreciated the findings of the committee and assured them of executive action.

The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rukia Nakadama, committed to investigating and addressing the concerns raised by the committee, with a promise to report back to the House within six months.