Ex-MP Ssebagala’s wife appointed to PSC

By Issa Kigongo

For years, former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebaggala Ssengendo used his parliamentary platform to advocate for a fair share of Muslims in government appointments.

Using his position as Parliament’s Imam, he, for instance, blocked Parliament’s approval in 2013 of the appointment of 28 judges to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal over what he described as “discrimination against Muslims” in the country.

Progressively, the number of Muslims appointed to key government positions has increased. However, the former lawmaker has not been a direct beneficiary of the appointments until last week, when President Yoweri Museveni appointed his wife, Dr Hanifah Namala Ssengendo, to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Dr Namala was among nine newly appointed members of the PSC who were vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth.

The other appointees are Vincent Seruma, the chairperson; Jane Sanyu Mpagi, the deputy chairperson; Dr Anthony Taabu Munyaho; Florence Mugonya Malinga; Dr Alex Opio Achol; Kenneth Namboga Madete; Patrick Ngolobe; and Mauda Norah Mugisha as members.

The Public Service Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 165(1) of the 1995 Constitution. It is primarily responsible for advising the President and overseeing the recruitment, appointment, promotion and discipline of public servants across government ministries, departments and local governments.

Dr Namala, the only Muslim on the commission, has more than two decades of experience as a paediatrician. She is also a life-skills trainer for adolescents through Stepping Stone, a community organisation she founded.