MPs Challenge Five-Year Ban on Former Public Officials as Prison Fund CEO
Members argued that the proposed restriction could be excessive, particularly because existing legislation already provides for the disqualification of certain candidates who have held public office.
Nairobi, Kenya – August 19 – Members of Uganda's National Assembly have raised objections to a proposed rule that would bar individuals who have served in public office within the last five years from becoming Chief Executive Officers of the Prison Enterprise Fund. This issue arose during the Committee on Delegated Legislation's examination of the proposed Public Finance Management (Prison Enterprise Fund) Regulations, 2026.
Critics argue that the restriction may be too stringent, considering existing legislation already disqualifies certain candidates with public office experience. One committee member deemed the provision "an overkill," questioning the necessity of an extra limitation. The committee also expressed concerns over the proposed Sh4 billion initial capital allocation, emphasizing that Parliament should not pre-allocate funds without official appropriation.
Committee Chair Samuel Chepkonga cautioned that such a stipulation could undermine Parliament's budgetary authority, as it would remove the Budget Committee's power to allocate funds. The committee further questioned the absence of precise guidelines regarding prisoner rehabilitation programs and the list of approved prison enterprises, urging the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to refine the regulations with clearer definitions and safeguards.
Members cautioned against granting future boards excessive discretion in determining what activities qualify as prison enterprises.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
