The National Council of Sports (NCS) is seeking clarification following a directive from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development regarding the eligibility of its current General Secretary, Dr. Bernard Ogwel, to continue as the Accounting Officer for the fiscal year 2024/25.
This development follows a letter dated July 25, 2024, from Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Ramathari Ggoobi, which stated that Dr. Ogwel was found ineligible for reappointment due to findings from the Auditor General and Internal Auditor General for the fiscal year.
Since joining the NCS, Dr. Ogwel has been at the center of several controversies. His tenure has been marked by disputes over financial management and governance issues, including allegations of misallocation of funds and lack of transparency in the council’s operations.
These controversies have drawn significant public and governmental scrutiny, raising questions about the efficacy of his leadership and the integrity of the NCS’s financial practices.
In response to the letter received on July 29, 2024, the NCS convened a Special Council Meeting to deliberate on the directive and its implications.
NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya formally communicated the Council’s position, emphasizing the need for further clarification from the Ministry.
The Council has asked for detailed information regarding the specific issues identified by the Auditor General and Internal Auditor General that led to Dr. Ogwel’s ineligibility.
The Council also referred to Section 39 (3) of the National Sports Act Cap 151, which states that “The General Secretary shall be the Accounting Officer of the Council,” questioning the directive’s compliance with this statutory requirement.
Given the significant government projects currently being managed by the NCS, the Council has requested that the matter be escalated to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, for further guidance.
Until more information is provided, the Council has resolved to reinstate the General Secretary as the Accounting Officer for FY 2024/25 to ensure continuity in the execution of its projects.
Dr. Ogwel’s future with the NCS is now in balance and could mean the end of an era for the sports administrator who joined NCS in 2017 as Assistant General Secretary.
