NDA Boss Dona Kusemererwa kicked out of office

By Watchdog reporter

The High Court in Kampala has cancelled the appointment of Donna Asiimwe Kusemererwa as the new Executive Director of National Drug Authority (NDA).

Justice Stephen Musota nullified the appointment on grounds that the position is non-existent. This means that Kusemererwa, a Pharmaceutical Management Expert who was appointed in January 2016, ceases to act as the Executive Director.

“A declaration that the position of the executive director in which the 2^nd respondent [Ms Kusemererwa] was appointed was/is nonexistent and contrary to Section 54(2) of the National Drug Authority Act Cap 206,” the judgment read in part.

“An order of Mandamus do issue directing the Authority of the National Drug Authority (the 1^st Respondent) to advertise the vacant position of secretary within 60 days from the day of this ruling including weekends and public holidays,” it added.

Considered a hugely divisive and antagonistic figure, Kusemererwa recently faced an internal rebellion at NDA with several officials accusing her of poor work methods.

Kusemererwa responded with fury and attempted to get rid of officials considered independent-minded.

The stroke that would later break her back was triggered by Kusemererwa’s decision to terminate the appointment of Florence Obiocha Nakachwa as Head of Drug Assessment and Registration.

A cancer patient, Nakachwa rushed to court to save her job before asking for a review of the legality of the ED position at NDA.

Deputy High Court registrar, Sarah Langa, read the ruling on Tuesday that nullified the appointment of Kusemererwa as Executive Director.