By Andrew Irumba
They say even the best dancer at some point leaves the stage even when the audience still yearned for more; that’s in truism with outgoing Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi, who has bowed out after the expiry of his 10 year contract.
Mutabazi, who has been at the helm of the regulatory authority for 10 uninterrupted years leaves office this month with his head high having undisputedly revived the industry to become a region’s most thought after.
“UCC ED Eng.Godfrey Mutabazi’s current contract expires on 9th February 2020 and today marks his last working day in office. Eng. Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo, the Director Engineering and Communications Infrastructure, will take over as the Acting Executive Director,” a tweet ran on UCC’s official handle this afternoon.
Mutabaazi joined UCC in 2010 and at the time of expiry of his contract he had served the Commission for 10 fruitful years and unlike most government officials, this website couldn’t verily confirm whether he sought renewal of the same.
However, other indipendent sources told this website that before he switched office, former ICT minister Hon. Frank K.Tumwebaze notified President Yoweri Museveni about the development and sought advice on the status of Mutabazi’s contract, although he never got response from the fountain of honour.
“Since the President is yet to respond, the board thought it wise to appoint someone to act as we look for a substantive executive director,” Ibrahim Bbosa, the UCC spokesperson was quoted by Trumpet news to have said.
Ms Sewankambo’s appointment letter was written by ICT Minister, Ms Judith Nabakooba, who also said her office was yet to get the President’s response on the request to renew Mutabazi’s contract.
According to the UCC Act, the executive director shall be appointed by the minister on the recommendation of the board.
“The executive director shall hold office for five years and shall be eligible for reappointment for only one further term,” the UCC Act reads in part.
Who Is Mutabazi?
Eng.Godfrey Mutabazi is an Aeronautical Engineer by profession and a registered member of the Royal Aeronautical Society of the United Kingdom, an Affiliate of the Institute of Engineers of the United Kingdom.
He studied Aeronautical Engineering and Avionics at Perth College, University of Highlands and Islands, Scotland.
He holds an MSC in Information and Communications Technologies (Software Engineering) with a bias in Spectrum Planning from the University Of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
He holds certification in Broadcasting Regulation from the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association and certification in Public Utilities Regulatory Course from the University of Florida / Worldbank.
As an advocate for prioritisation of ICTs in the national development agenda, Mutabazi has successfully promoted the integration of ICTs in other service-oriented sectors such as education, health, security, and governance among others. He has also been very instrumental in promoting ICT innovation in Uganda.
Mutabazi has vast experience in both broadcasting and telecommunications and away from ICT; he is a champion for equal opportunities and gender balance.
Mutabazi’s contribution and dedication to the development of the media industry, formalization and streamlining of the same is undisputebly unparalleled. At Spy Uganda,we wish him the very best of lack in all his future endeavours.
