Early last month, this website published a story how a huge section of staff at Rural Electrification Agency (REA) had lambasted the Permanent Secretary of Energy Ministry Irene Bateebe for selectively, secretly and discriminatively choosing a small group of workers to join public service under the Ministry.
“The protest comes after the PS informed all staff in August that their contracts with REA will be terminated next month on 19th as per the cabinet decision to merge most of its agencies,” reads part of story.
“Subsequently, Ms Bateebe issued a memo on 29th August inviting a section of REA staff to fill Public Service Commission PSC forms to enable onward submission for assessment of suitability of appointment in the mainstream public service on the recommended positions. She further attached names of those who had been chosen from REA to join the ministry.”
However, Bateebe had come under scrutiny after the a list of staff she selected to apply for the jobs leaked.
“On her list, it has emerged that junior staff, less qualified and relatives were given higher positions as opposed to what they held at REA,” our story suggested
“Against that backdrop, the marginalized workers have penned and signed a letter to PS Bateebe denouncing the process because they believe it’s not only a sham but also promotes nepotism and corruption.”
Fresh details obtained by TrumpetNews indicate the Ministry has since overturned the decision and called on all REA staff to apply for any available vacant position gazetted for the agency.
“This was a sigh of relief. This is what we wanted initially, so that if you fail the interview you go home contented,” said a worker who had been left out.
This website has further learnt that some positions which had been created for some ‘untouchable’ REA bosses were scrapped off rendering them jobless.
“For example the Ministry had designed a position- assistant commissioner of communication- who whose role was to oversee the whole communications department. However, the Ministry already had a spokesperson. But that position was seen as a reward, but has been deleted,” said an official.
The PS of Ministry of Energy Irene Bateebe had previously defended the decision to sideline majority of REA staff saying they lacked academic qualifications.