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🇺🇬 Uganda /Elections & Politics

Uganda's Secret Parliamentary Vetting Fuels Mistrust; Kenya Offers a Transparent Model

From AllAfrica Uganda · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • Uganda's parliamentary vetting process for ministerial and ambassadorial nominees is conducted in secrecy, fueling public mistrust and speculation.
  • Critics argue this lack of transparency turns Parliament into a "black box," hindering accountability as citizens cannot witness the scrutiny of nominees.
  • Kenya's model of open, televised vetting since 2011 is presented as a successful alternative that enhances public trust and nominee quality.

Uganda's parliamentary Appointments Committee holds significant power in deciding who serves as minister, ambassador, or heads key government agencies. However, the committee's deliberations remain closed to the public and media, a secrecy that critics argue is eroding public trust and fostering accusations of favoritism and backroom deals.

We do a thorough job, we ask tough questions, we reject unqualified nominees. But because the public doesn't see it, they assume the worst. We are judged for a process they never witness.

— Senior MP on the Appointments CommitteeAcknowledging the negative impact of secrecy on public perception of the vetting process.

The current process in Uganda results in only a brief press release and a final "approved" or "rejected" list, leaving the crucial vetting period shrouded in mystery. This vacuum allows speculation to flourish, with rumors circulating about nominees being favored due to tribal affiliations or blocked for political reasons. A senior MP acknowledged this issue, stating, "We do a thorough job, we ask tough questions, we reject unqualified nominees. But because the public doesn't see it, they assume the worst. We are judged for a process they never witness."

Closed vetting turns Parliament into a black box. Ugandans pay the salaries, but they're locked out when we decide who runs their ministries. That is not accountability.

— Civil society voiceCriticizing the lack of public access to the vetting process.

In contrast, Kenya's Parliament reformed its vetting process in 2011. Now, the National Assembly's Committee on Appointments conducts live, televised, and radio broadcasts of its sessions for vetting Cabinet Secretaries, principal secretaries, and other nominees. Advocates suggest this transparency has significantly improved public trust, reduced accusations of bias, and led to better-qualified nominees, as candidates face rigorous real-time scrutiny. Kenya's Senate Speaker has noted that open vetting has helped Kenyans "believe in Parliament again" by allowing citizens to witness the questioning of nominees on their competence, integrity, and qualifications, thereby reducing room for suspicion of hidden influence.

Open vetting has made Kenyans believe in Parliament again. They see us work. They see us say no to mediocrity. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

— Kenya's Senate SpeakerDefending Kenya's transparent vetting process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by AllAfrica Uganda in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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