A Joint Committee comprising of National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security and Senate Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations will vet the nominee for the position of Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho.
This follows an announcement by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Gladys Boss on Thursday, August 1st 2024.
“In exercise of powers conferred by Article 245(2)(a) of the Constitution and Section 12(2) of the National Police Service Act, 2011 as read together with Section 5 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011, he nominates Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho for appointment as the Inspector-General of the National Police Service. The President therefore seeks approval of the nominee by Parliament,” stated Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss
The Deputy Speaker further clarified on the joint vetting process. She said, ” The Chairpersons of the two Committees will co-chair the joint sittings and the secretariat will comprise officers of the two Houses. As contemplated under Rule 9(6) of the Joint Rules unless a decision is reached by consensus, any vote to be taken in the joint sittings of the Committees shall be by separate Houses. This will ensure that the numerical difference of the individual Members representing the Houses in the joint sittings has no effect on the decisions of the joint sittings of the Committees.”
In accordance with the provisions of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011, the timeline for consideration of a nominee for appointment as the Inspector-General of the National Police Service is prescribed in section 12(7) of the National Police Service Act, 2011 is 14 days.
Deputy Speaker Boss highlighted the critical nature of the Inspector-General’s role in maintaining law and order. She said, “Conscious of the critical duties bestowed upon the Inspector-General of the National Police Service under Article 245(2)(b) of the Constitution, the Joint Committee will be expected to expedite the approval hearing within the statutory timelines.”
Given that the National Assembly is scheduled to go on recess on Friday, August 9th, 2024, the Joint Committee was urged by the House to expedite the vetting process and upon conclusion, a special sitting will be held.
“Upon conclusion of the vetting process, I implore the Leader of the Majority Party to consult with his counterpart in the Senate for purpose of requesting for a Special Sitting of the respective Houses to receive and consider the report of the Joint Committee,” remarked Hon. Gladys Boss.
