James Wasula has been suspended as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uganda performing Rights Society (UPRS) over alleged mismanagement of finances.
According to a press statement from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Wasula was suspended together with the society’s compliance officer, Dickson Matovu on Monday afternoon.
Independent professional caretakers, Mr. Kabiito Karamagi and Ms. Rita Baguma Birungi of Ligomarc Advocates have been appointed in consultation and with the cooperation of the Board of Directors of the Society to temporarily oversee the management of UPRS
“The suspension of the above officials is to allow for an effective ongoing Inquiry into the Constitution, Workings and Financial Conditions of the Society in accordance with the above provision of the law. There have also been a number of complaints from members of the society with allegations of mismanagement of finances and remittance of royalties collected from rights users which URSB would also like to look into critically,” the statement reads in part.
“We have therefore decided to suspend Wasula and take over to audit the society and also give UPRS a better platform,” an official from URSB said.
URSB claims that their inquiry will ensure UPRS handles its affairs within the strict confines of the law, transparently, with good governance standards as well as achieving the objectives of its establishment in the interests of its members and all other stakeholders.
“The activities of the Caretakers shall be supervised by URSB and the Members of the Board of UPRS. During this period, URSB is going to be in constant engagement with all stakeholders and urges them to cooperate with the Caretaker. The regular activities of the Society are expected to continue smoothly and URSB calls upon all stakeholders.”
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