Control of Excesses by the Executive: The Role of Ombudsmen and Investigatory Commissions

Jjuuko, Frederick W.

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Title:	Control of Excesses by the Executive: The Role of Ombudsmen and Investigatory Commissions
Author:	Jjuuko, Frederick W.
Year:	1995
Periodical:	East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights
Volume:	2
Issue:	2
Pages:	218-235
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Uganda East Africa
Subjects:	constitutions bill drafting commissions of inquiry ombudsman Law, Human Rights and Violence Politics and Government law executive power constitutional reform
Abstract:	The current constitution-making exercise in Uganda is taking place against the background of the undoubted executive excesses that the country has suffered. Although quite a number of commissions of inquiry have been set up since independence, these have proved to be mere administrative expedients to enable governments to weather crises without addressing the real issues in question. The Ugandan ombudsman, established by the Inspector General of Government Statute 1988, is appointed by the president. This makes the ombudsman part of the executive and severely limits the usefulness of the institution. The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has so far failed to make any inroads on the question of human rights, and has now all but abdicated responsibility over the censure of the military. Uganda's draft constitution 1992 contains provisions that relate directly and indirectly to the ombudsman and other investigatory processes. It proposes institutions whose roles complement each other. These are the Inspectorate of Government, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Leadership Code of Conduct, and the Uganda Audit Commission. While the proposed commissions in their totality provide an ample framework for administrative accountability, their successful operation is possible only in the context of political accountability. Notes, ref.