In 2012, when the Parliamentary Commission sought to recruit a director of communications and public affairs, Hellen Nanteza Kaweesa, the current deputy director CPA was the sole applicant for the position.
Kaweesa had secured a nod from the interview panel for a promotion to the position of director communications and public affairs (CPA). The position holder was expected to offer strategic communication direction to the parliament and promote the institution’s visibility.
The director is the official spokesperson of the parliament.
But the recommendation was rubbished by the parliament commission chaired by the speaker Rebecca Kadaga on the basis that she had failed to defend and promote the image of the institution according to an extract of minutes of the parliamentary commission held in February 2013.
Today this website brings details of the Parliamentary Commission sitting which concluded Kawesa was unfit for the job and therefore recommended a head hunt for a suitable candidate.
Chris Obore would later pass the interview and assumed the office.
The commission sat on February 22, 2013 and was attended by MPs who include; Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, Elijah Okupa, Chris Baryomunsi, Lukumu Abwooli and Betty Ocan.
The Clerk to Parliament Jane Kibirige was also present, her deputy Paul Wabwire, Director Finance and Administration Okello Obabaro attended, Human Resource Director Mrs Kaddu and Benson Masereka the secretary.
The Prime Minister Hon. Amama Mbabazi, leader of government business missed with an explanation.
Incompetence?
The meeting after hearing that Ms Helen Kawesa was the only sole candidate who applied for the job, noted that she had been recommended as a suitable candidate for appointment to the post of Director Communications and Public Affairs.
“The meeting observed thata Kawesa’s performance has generally been wanting as she failed to defend and promote the image of the institution of Parliament. It was noted that her performance was characterized by,” reads part of the resolution.
The Commission therefore observed that Kawesa has the following weaknesses;
Slow response in addressing critical matters under her mandate which arise from time to time.
Lack of pro-activity
Lack of assertiveness to manage staff to fulfill the division’s goals
Lack of appreciation of financial management procedures and processes- the reason her membership to the contracts committee was not renewed.
“The meeting therefore rejected the recommendation for promotion of Ms. Kawesa Nantenza Helen and further recommended that the position be advertised externally. The position be effectively filled within a period of two months through head hunt,” the Commission directed.
That is how Chris Obore was sourced, interviewed and found capable of taking over office.