Office of the Ombudsman
Ombudsman
Summary
Established by Ombudsman Act 2024 (No. 2 of 2024). Ombudsman appointed by Governor-General on recommendation of a multi-stakeholder committee including Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Judicial and Legal Service Commission representative, Public Service Commission representative, Chamber of Commerce, and civil-society umbrella (s. 5(1)). Must be qualified as a Supreme Court justice (s. 5(2)). Powers include entry of authority premises, document inspection, interviews, and referral to Commissioner of Police (s. 8). The Attorney-General may exclude any investigation by notice on public-interest grounds (s. 8(3)). Second Schedule explicitly excludes national-security/Defence Force actions, crime-investigation actions by the AG, DPP, or Commissioner of Police, and Police Service Commission discipline/appointment decisions. Investigative jurisdiction over routine RBPF administrative maladministration complaints is available, but the core use-of-force and disciplinary terrain is carved out. Annual reports required (s. 25). Funds appropriated by Parliament (s. 24).
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Ombudsman Act, 2024
- Citation
- No. 2 of 2024, ss. 7-10, Second Schedule
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Investigates administrative actions by any public authority for maladministration or breach of fundamental rights; excludes crime-investigation actions by the Commissioner of Police, national-security matters (Defence Force orders), and decisions of the Police Service Commission on discipline/appointments (Second Schedule, paras 2, 3, 9).