Government initiates recruitment process for substantive Executive Director

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has officially initiated the recruitment process for a new executive director, marking a significant development in the leadership of the telecommunications sector regulator.

Ms. Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo, who has been serving as the acting executive director since February 2020, is now facing a potential decision on whether to apply for the substantive position.

Ms. Kaggwa took over the reins from Mr. Godfrey Mutabazi, who stepped down from his position in February 2020 after serving two consecutive terms, totaling 10 years as the head of the UCC.

In a notice published on Monday, the UCC expressed its intention to hire an executive director who would lead the organization in developing and executing strategic plans, shaping policies, and implementing programs as stipulated by the Uganda Communications Act of 2013.

The appointment of the UCC’s executive director is vested in the hands of the Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), making it a five-year term, renewable only once.

The decision to advertise the position comes as a surprise to many, given Ms. Kaggwa’s achievements during her tenure as the acting executive director. She has contributed significantly to enhancing ICT security by reducing fraudulent domains, promoting e-services, and mediating corporate disputes within the sector.

The qualifications required for the role of executive director are formidable.

Successful candidates must possess a Master’s degree in economics, law, finance, management, public administration, or related fields. Additionally, they are expected to have 15 years of strategic experience in management, government, regulatory affairs, policy development, and implementation, along with a minimum of five years in senior management roles within corporate environments.