The outgoing parliamentary clerk Mr. E.M Tadikwire (R) dresses the incoming clerk Ms. Jane Kibirige Lubowa during her first day in office on February 09 at Parliament. Photo by Joseph Kiggundu.
Promising to serve the government of Uganda under the leadership of the Speaker, Jane Kibirige took the oath of office Wednesday and became the Clerk to Parliament.
Head of Public Service John Mitala administered the oath, four months after Aenas Tandekwire retired from public service after serving in the same position for 26 years. He was present at the ceremony.
“You are the reference point next to the Attorney General. This means that you will have to be conversant with all the issues around,” Mr Tandekwire said. “You need to be extremely alert, informed, knowledgeable and approachable. You should adopt an open door policy,” Mr Tandekwire said.
Tandekwire asked Ms Kibirige to not only closely follow the proceedings of Parliament but also gather knowledge on all laws including but not limited to the Constitution, Rules of Procedure, Laws of Uganda and the Public Service Standing orders.
“I am delighted to stand before you. I want to commit myself to serving the government of Uganda, under the leadership of the Speaker,” Ms Kibirige said, adding, “I call for maximum cooperation from all staff and I seek guidance from whoever I come across.”
Ms Kibirige is Parliament’s first female clerk. Prior to her appointment, she was the Senior Deputy Academic Registrar at Mbarara University where she’d served in a number of positions.
The Clerk to Parliament provides advice and guidance to the Speaker with respect to the rules, procedures and protocol of Parliament and directs the internal management of the Service.
By Sheila Naturinda, Daily Monitor
