The newly appointed Minister for Public Service, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, has promised to reform the public service and ensure it serves all citizens fairly and efficiently.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament after appearing before the Appointments committee for vetting, Katumba said he was grateful to President Museveni for once again entrusting him with a Cabinet position.
“I thank President Museveni for once again appointing me to cabinet. I promise that I will continue delivering to the best of my ability, just as I have done in my previous roles,” Katumba said.
The former minister of Works and Transport compared his new assignment to driving a vehicle, saying effective leadership requires changing gears whenever challenges arise.
He identified corruption, fraud, conflicts of interest, tribalism, nepotism, inadequate funding, and poor service delivery as major challenges affecting the public sector. He said these issues require close cooperation with relevant government institutions to address them effectively.
Katumba said he would draw on his extensive experience in public service to improve the ministry.
Several other ministerial nominees also appeared before the committee on the same day. They included Fred Byamukama for Works and Transport, Gen Henry Tumukunde for Gender, and Sanjay Tanna for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
Others vetted were Dr Monica Musenero for Energy and Mineral Development, Rukia Nakadama as Second Deputy Prime Minister, Balam Barugahara Ateenyi for Local Government, Kiryowa Kiwanuka for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jackson Kafuuzi as Deputy Attorney General, and Hilary Onek for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees.
Parliament’s director of Communication and Public Affairs, Chris Obore, said all nominees were required to submit their curriculum vitae and official invitation letters before appearing before the committee.
However, some MPs raised concerns about the vetting process. Opposition legislators, including John Baptist Nambeshe, argued that the exercise often appears ceremonial because the appointments originate from the President.
They nevertheless said Parliament should ensure that individuals facing serious integrity questions, including allegations of corruption and fraud, are thoroughly scrutinised.
On the other hand, several NRM legislators expressed optimism that the new cabinet team would help address corruption, poverty, school dropout rates, limited access to electricity and clean water, and disease outbreaks.
