Govt chickens out of Auditor General’s confirmation

Government yesterday deferred the confirmation of newly-appointed Auditor General (AG) Peter Kamange amid speculation that the State might withdraw the name and replace it with someone else.

Among other issues behind the development, Kamange once served in ruling People’s Party (PP) executive.

Leader of the House Henry Phoya was at pains to comment on the issue.

“There are still some issues still being sorted out,” said Phoya in an interview.

Asked when the confirmation would be tabled again in the august House, Phoya said since such proposals for confirmations are normally presented on Wednesday, the issue might be brought back into the House next week.

“I may not be in a position to [explain] the matter, but something may be announced regarding that issue before the next Wednesday,” he added.

 Some of the MPs confided in The Nation that they were not comfortable with Kamange following revelations that he once served as PP secretary general.

The AG is appointed by the President, but is subject to confirmation by the House in an open deliberation according to Section 184 (3) of the Constitution.

Kamange’s name has been appearing on the House’s business since its last sitting in February.

Kamange was appointed following the House’s rejection of Anderson Kulugomba, whose name was shrouded in controversy, including that the appointment was made before government had finalised dealing with the retirement of the then AG Reckford Kampanje. Kampanje has since retired formally.