Museveni swears-in three new ministers, warns against corruption
“Your responsibility is to restore integrity in public service through effective supervision and accountability,” Museveni said, stressing the need for ministers to ensure that government institutions deliver on their mandates.
Kampala: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today sworn in three newly appointed ministers at State House, Entebbe, urging them to strengthen accountability and tackle corruption and inefficiency across government institutions.
The new ministers are Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Juma Witonze, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
The three took and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister before assuming their respective offices, in accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution and the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.
Congratulating the new ministers, President Museveni tasked them with restoring integrity and efficiency in public service through effective supervision and accountability.
He said many of the challenges facing government institutions are caused by negligence, while others result from the direct involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
“Your responsibility is to restore integrity in public service through effective supervision and accountability,” Museveni said, stressing the need for ministers to ensure that government institutions deliver on their mandates.
Museveni revisits dual citizenship debate
The President also used the occasion to reiterate his position on dual citizenship, saying Uganda’s citizenship policy must be understood in the context of the country’s political history.
Museveni recalled that Uganda experienced prolonged periods of political instability from 1966, forcing many citizens into exile. He cited the 1966 crisis involving the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and the later regime of former President Idi Amin.
He explained that the restoration of peace under the NRM Government brought greater structure to the question of citizenship, 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,” Museveni said.
He added that countries in the East African region should consider deeper integration as a way of addressing some of the challenges surrounding identity and citizenship.
“For neighbouring countries, it is important that people make a clear choice, or we move towards an East African Federation,” he said.
Museveni further reiterated Uganda’s support for the establishment of an East African Federation, describing regional integration as a long-term approach to questions of citizenship, identity and unity.
Kamuntu welcomes new appointments
Minister for Internal Affairs Ephraim Kamuntu thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his constitutional mandate by appointing the remaining ministers.
Kamuntu also commended the President for his patience in handling issues surrounding dual citizenship.
He urged the newly sworn-in ministers to work closely with their colleagues in advancing the government’s development agenda and supporting efforts to move Uganda towards middle-income status during the current term.
Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe presented the ministers to the President for the swearing-in ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, as well as family members of the newly appointed ministers.
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