NCS Board Chairman Ambrose Tashobya defies National Sports Act and HR manual to protect General Secretary amid controversy

By Emmanuel Sekago
In an unexpected development, Ambrose Tashobya, the Board Chairman of the National Council of Sports (NCS), appears to have disregarded both the National Sports Act Section 39(3) and the Human Resource Manual Section 4;3;9 (2).

This move comes in a bid to protect the troubled General Secretary, Dr. Benard Ogwel, amidst ongoing scrutiny over his eligibility to continue as the Accounting Officer for the NCS.

A letter dated July 25th, 2024, from Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, addressed to the Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, highlighted significant concerns.

According to the letter, Section 11 (2) (g) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 2015, as amended, clearly states: “appoint or designate accounting officers in accordance with this Act, except that the Secretary to the Treasury shall not appoint or designate a person an accounting officer where, according to the report of an Internal Auditor General or the Auditor-General, that person has not accounted for the public resources or assets of the vote for a financial year.”

The recommendations from the Auditor General and Internal Auditor General for FY 2024/25 deemed Dr. Ogwel ineligible to continue in his role due to accountability issues. Consequently, Ggoobi requested the NCS Board to recommend a suitable officer for the appointment as Accounting Officer for Vote 166 for the FY 2024/25.

However, a new document seen by Wallnetnews, ref. NCS.2/6, dated July 31st, 2024, and addressed to the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, introduced a surprising turn.

The document, signed by Ambrose Tashobya, proposes Mr. Baale Mohammed Waladde as the Acting Accounting Officer for Vote 166 – National Council of Sports (NCS) for FY 2024/2025. This appointment appears to be in direct contravention of established protocols.

The NCS Human Resource Manual does not provide for an acting position under these circumstances. Section 4;3;9 (2) states, “An officer shall be appointed to ACT only in a vacant Post.” Furthermore, Mr. Baale Mohammed, currently a Senior Accountant at the NCS, does not meet the criteria stipulated by the National Sports Act Cap 151, which specifies that “The General Secretary shall be the Accounting Officer of the Council.”

The decision to propose an acting position, rather than addressing the recommendations and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, raises questions about the transparency and governance within the NCS.

Tashobya’s stance, perceived as an effort to shield Dr. Ogwel has raised concerns among stakeholders and observers. Many are questioning the motives behind his actions and the implications for the governance and transparency of the National Council of Sports.

Stakeholders interviewed by Wallnetnews expressed concern over the ongoing standoff, suggesting that Chairman Tashobya should instead address the competence issues surrounding Dr. Ogwel, as highlighted by the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury.

The situation underscores a broader governance issue within the NCS, with potential implications for the organization’s credibility and effectiveness. As the controversy continues, there is growing pressure for a resolution that adheres to legal and ethical standards, ensuring accountability and proper management within the council.