Journal Article Examines Role of Classical Ombuds Commonwealth Countries

A paper presented at the South African Association of Public Administration and Management Annual Conference looks at the role of Classical Ombuds institutions in the procurement of legal responsibilities and the promotion of good governance in Commonwealth countries with particular emphasis on Canada, South Africa and Uganda. Professors Jerry O. Kuye and Umar Kakumba of the University of Pretoria analyze the literature on the Ombuds institutions’ orientation, matters of regulatory and jurisdictional type, appointment. They argue that, despite the varying legislative and jurisdictional mandates, there are common denominators that underpin Ombuds institutions, punctuated by similar systemic weaknesses. Kuye and Kakumba conclude that Ombuds cannot prevent wrongs from public agencies unless there is an adaptive political culture and administrative system that cherishes goodwill. The paper is published in the Journal of Public Administration. (UPSpace.)