Former military leader says Agriculture Minister keeps blocking a permanent tobacco board boss, causing big problems. Retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje told lawmakers Tuesday that the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board cannot function properly without stable leadership. The board has operated with temporary management since Emmanuel Matsvaire stepped in back in September 2022 after officials fired the previous head, Meanwell Gudu.
Rugeje didn't hold back when speaking to the parliamentary committee. He described the situation as "toxic" and blamed many current issues directly on leadership gaps. He stressed that having a permanent CEO would solve numerous problems facing the organization. The retired general asked the committee members for their help pushing through the appointment process that has stalled for almost two years.
"The industry stands in a good place, but toxicity exists everywhere," Rugeje explained to lawmakers. He pointed to outside forces meddling with board operations, including politicians and business figures who demand inside information about tobacco industry decisions. He warned that failing to address the leadership vacuum would let these problems continue indefinitely, calling the situation "the elephant in the room."
Board chairman Patrick Devenish clarified that Minister of Agriculture Anxious Masuka must make the final call on any new appointment. Devenish assured the committee that board members had already completed their part by selecting a recruiting organization. They have nearly finished creating their list of top candidates to submit for the minister's consideration, but the final decision remains completely out of their hands.
Rugeje didn't hold back when speaking to the parliamentary committee. He described the situation as "toxic" and blamed many current issues directly on leadership gaps. He stressed that having a permanent CEO would solve numerous problems facing the organization. The retired general asked the committee members for their help pushing through the appointment process that has stalled for almost two years.
"The industry stands in a good place, but toxicity exists everywhere," Rugeje explained to lawmakers. He pointed to outside forces meddling with board operations, including politicians and business figures who demand inside information about tobacco industry decisions. He warned that failing to address the leadership vacuum would let these problems continue indefinitely, calling the situation "the elephant in the room."
Board chairman Patrick Devenish clarified that Minister of Agriculture Anxious Masuka must make the final call on any new appointment. Devenish assured the committee that board members had already completed their part by selecting a recruiting organization. They have nearly finished creating their list of top candidates to submit for the minister's consideration, but the final decision remains completely out of their hands.
