James B. Niwamanya, the Head of Human Resource Management at the Uganda Electoral Commission, has resigned amidst swirling accusations of sexual harassment involving his female subordinates, this comes as a shock to many.
Niwamanya, a head leader within the electoral body for over a decade and a half, opted to step aside as reports implicating him in the scandal surfaced in various media outlets. Responding swiftly to the gravity of the allegations, the Commission initiated an internal inquiry, prompting Niwamanya to voluntarily withdraw from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
However, prior to the completion of the inquiry, Niwamanya chose to retire prematurely, formally communicating his decision through a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Electoral Commission, Leonard Mulekwah. Dated March 15, 2024, Niwamanya designated Monday, March 18, as his final day at the commission, citing personal reasons and a quest for inner peace.
While Niwamanya's resignation letter conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, beneath the surface lay the shadow of the ongoing investigation. Sources intimate that his decision to resign came amidst mounting pressure and scrutiny as the internal probe delved deeper into allegations of misconduct spanning his tenure.
Despite being suspended from his duties to ensure the integrity of the investigation, Niwamanya opted to conclude his service at the Electoral Commission preemptively. His sudden departure has reverberated throughout the organization, prompting a soul-searching regarding workplace culture and the effectiveness of mechanisms in addressing allegations of impropriety.
