[Ch0000s120]120.
The office of the Ombudsman
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There shall be a public office known as the office of the Ombudsman which shall have such
powers, functions and responsibilities as are conferred upon that office by this Constitution and any
other law.
[Ch0000s121]121.
Independence of the Ombudsman
13 of 2001In the exercise of his or her powers, functions and duties the Ombudsman shall be
completely independent of the interference or direction of any other person or authority, but shall
otherwise be answerable to Parliament.
[Ch0000s122]122.
Appointment of Ombudsman
13 of 2001(1) Nominations for appointment to the office of Ombudsman shall be received from
the public by way of a public advertisement placed by the Clerk to the National Assembly and the
successful candidate shall be appointed by the Public Appointments Committee in accordance with the
requirements of this section.
(2) The person appointed to the office of Ombudsman shall—
(a)
have sufficient knowledge of the law;
(b)
be publicly regarded as a person who can make impartial judgments;
(c)
have sufficient knowledge of the workings of Government;
(d)
not have had any criminal convictions and not have been a bankrupt;
(e)
be otherwise competent and capable of performing the duties of his or her office;
(f)
not be the President, Vice-President, a Minister or Deputy Minister, a serving public
officer in any public office other than that of Ombudsman or a member of Parliament; and
(g)
not hold any other public office unless otherwise provided for in this Constitution.
[Ch0000s123]123.
Functions and powers
(1) The office of the Ombudsman may investigate any and all cases where it is alleged that a
person has suffered injustice and it does not appear that there is any remedy reasonably available by
way of proceedings in a court or by way of appeal from a court or where there is no other practicable
remedy.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the powers of the office of the Ombudsman under this
section shall not oust the jurisdiction of the courts and the decisions and exercise of powers by the
Ombudsman shall be reviewable by the High Court on the application of any person with sufficient
interest in a case the Ombudsman has determined.