Umukunde Pierrine
In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political circles, the meteoric rise of Adiru, from a mere Personal Assistant to the Speaker to the position of Assistant Director of Human Resources within the span of a single year, has raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness in the country’s parliamentary processes.
Adiru’s journey within Parliament is nothing short of astonishing. Joining as a Personal Assistant to the Speaker in 2021, Adiru swiftly ascended the ranks to assume the role of Assistant Director of Human Resources by 2022. However, what’s particularly baffling is the speed at which he achieved such a significant promotion, bypassing several hierarchical levels that typically require years of experience and service.
According to standard procedures, reaching the level of Department Director would necessitate a gradual progression through various ranks, including Officer, Senior Officer, Principal, and Assistant Director, with each step typically requiring a minimum of three years to attain. Adiru’s accelerated advancement, therefore, raises serious questions about the integrity of the promotion process and the criteria used to assess suitability for senior positions within Parliament.
Despite holding the title of Assistant Director of Human Resources, Adiru’s role appears to bear more resemblance to that of a Personal Assistant, as he is frequently seen accompanying the Speaker, Among, and even working from her residence. Reports suggest that Adiru is often tasked with carrying out administrative duties such as recruitment, termination, and promotion decisions, effectively acting as an extension of the Speaker’s office rather than fulfilling the responsibilities expected of a senior human resources professional.
The implications of Adiru’s rapid promotion extend beyond questions of procedural fairness. His elevation to the position of Assistant Director has reportedly rendered the incumbent Full Director redundant, with Adiru poised to assume the role of Director upon the retirement of the current officeholder later this year. Such a scenario raises concerns about the displacement of qualified and experienced individuals in favor of politically connected appointees, compromising the effectiveness and credibility of parliamentary operations.
Moreover, Adiru’s swift ascent highlights broader issues of patronage and cronyism within Uganda’s political establishment. The apparent circumvention of established procedures in favor of expediting the promotion of individuals with close ties to influential figures undermines the principles of meritocracy and fair competition, eroding public trust in the integrity of parliamentary institutions.
As stakeholders and concerned citizens demand accountability and transparency in the wake of these revelations, it is incumbent upon parliamentary authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into Adiru’s promotion and ensure that all appointments within Parliament are made based on merit, competence, and adherence to established procedures. Failure to address these concerns risks further undermining the credibility of Uganda’s parliamentary system and eroding public confidence in the integrity of its institutions.
Makana Kennedy
