ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sworn in three newly appointed ministers at State House Entebbe, urging them to tackle corruption and inefficiency in government institutions through stronger supervision and accountability.
The ministers are Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Witonze Juma, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
Before assuming office, the three ministers took and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister, as required under Article 115 of the Constitution and prescribed in the Fourth Schedule.
Congratulating the new ministers, President Museveni urged them to prioritise the fight against corruption and inefficiency across government institutions.
He said effective supervision and accountability are critical to restoring integrity in public service, noting that some of the challenges facing government institutions are caused by negligence or the direct involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
Museveni reiterates dual citizenship position
President Museveni also used the ceremony to reiterate his position on dual citizenship, linking the issue to Uganda’s history of political instability and exile.
He said Uganda’s citizenship arrangements must be understood in the context of the country’s past, particularly periods when large numbers of Ugandans were forced into exile.
The President cited the 1966 political crisis involving the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and the later regime of former President Idi Amin as events that contributed to the displacement of Ugandans.
Museveni said the restoration of peace under the NRM Government subsequently created the need to address citizenship issues, particularly in relation to Uganda’s neighbouring countries.
“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies. If we are to have unity, then let us unite, but you cannot owe allegiance to two sides. For neighbouring countries, it is important that people make a clear choice, or we move towards an East African Federation,” he said.
Museveni said Uganda continues to advocate for the establishment of an East African Federation, which he described as a long-term solution to questions surrounding identity, citizenship and regional integration.
Kamuntu welcomes appointments
Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister for Internal Affairs, thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his constitutional mandate by appointing the remaining ministers.
Kamuntu also commended the President for his patience during the process of resolving issues related to dual citizenship.
He urged the newly sworn-in ministers to work closely with their colleagues to advance the government’s development agenda and support efforts to achieve middle-income status during the current term of government.
Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, presented the ministers to the President before they took their oaths.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and family members of the newly appointed ministers.