Eng Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo, the director for engineering & communications infrastructure at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has been appointed acting executive director to replace Eng Godfrey Mutabazi.
Mutabazi's contract expires this Sunday, February 9 and according to available information, Mutabazi who has been executive director for two five-year terms will not have his contract renewed.
According to state minister for Information Communications Technology (ICT) Peter Ogwang, a new person has been identified, to replace Mutabazi upon the expiry of his contract.
“It is true I received the letter in regard to the changes, but it is just because his contract has expired. It is now back to the board, maybe it will advertise the job, and if Mutabazi applies and qualifies, then he gets the job but it's about not allowing a vacuum” Ogwang said in an interview.
An engineer by profession, Ssewankambo holds a master of Science in Communications Systems and Signal Processing from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and a master of Science in Economic Management and Policy also from the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom.
Ssewankambo was previously the head of research and development unit as well as coordinator of the office of the executive director.
Mutabazi, however, told URN that although his contract is expiring, his re-appointment is still being considered. He says that the process is before the president, who will determine whether to renew his contract or not.
"Unless the president appoints a substantive person, then that will now show that I am not the ED, but for now, the process is still ongoing... and that depends on the president,” Mutabazi said.
Mutabazi has reportedly for several months been lobbying to have his contract renewed. Mutabazi through his leadership has praised the commission for an increase in Internet subscription and an increase in the number of mobile telecom subscribers.