The newly appointed minister of state for Gender (Industrial Relations), Simon Mulongo, has called for a review of recruitment contracts held by labour export companies operating in Uganda.
Mulongo made the remarks at Parliament shortly after appearing before the Appointments Committee for vetting.
The former diplomat said his vetting process was brief and that his focus was now on delivering results in public service.
“I have spent only a few minutes there, unlike some of my colleagues. What is important now is how I will be able to perform my work,” Mulongo told journalists.
He expressed concern about labour recruitment companies that facilitate the export of Ugandan workers, particularly to Gulf countries. According to Mulongo, some of these companies are operating illegally, while others are using licences and contracts that have expired.
Meanwhile, other ministerial nominees also appeared before the Appointments committee.
The state minister for Finance (Microfinance) Shartsi Kutesa said she remains committed to implementing the NRM manifesto and supporting government programmes aimed at improving household incomes.
Other nominees who appeared before the committee included Pesis Namuganza, the State Minister for Lands, State Minister for Trade David Bahati and State Minister for Higher Education Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo.
Hanifa Kawooya, the minister of state for Health (General Duties), attracted attention when she declined to shake hands with a fellow legislator upon arriving at Parliament.
Instead, Kawooya greeted colleagues with a fist bump, citing concerns about the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Health authorities have urged members of the public to follow preventive measures, including avoiding unnecessary physical contact and maintaining proper hygiene practices.
