The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has, for the second time, discharged officials from the Ministry of Public Service after Permanent Secretary Catherine Bitarakwate failed to appear before the committee.
Bitarakwate was expected to respond to audit queries but reportedly missed the session, citing a Cabinet engagement where she was presenting the Funeral Management Bill.
The matter had previously been postponed on March 2nd after the committee accused her of disrespecting Parliament by failing to answer questions on whether serving public servants are allowed to participate in electoral processes.
During today’s sitting, Bitarakwate sent Under Secretary Rogers Irumba to represent her.
However, committee members initially rejected him for failing to provide proof of delegation.
After a 30-minute suspension, Irumba presented an internal memo assigning him the responsibilities of Permanent Secretary.
The committee rejected the document, stating it was not addressed to them and questioning its authenticity.
Legislators emphasized that under the Public Finance Management Act, accountability cannot be delegated and remains the personal responsibility of the accounting officer.
The committee chairperson, Gorreth Namugga, then suspended the meeting until tomorrow at 4 PM, directing that Bitarakwate must appear in person.
By Francis Lubega
9th Mar 2026
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