President Museveni on Tuesday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Uganda’s newly appointed cabinet ministers and ministers of State at State House Entebbe.
The ceremony marked the official start of a new phase of government administration, with 78 members of the executive taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Minister before assuming office.
Addressing the newly sworn-in leaders, Museveni congratulated them on their appointments and wished them success in serving the country.
“I congratulate you and wish you good luck,” the President said.
Among the senior leaders who took the oath were Vice-President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who also serves as Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
Other Cabinet ministers sworn in included First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga; Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament Dr Crispus Kiyonga; and Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Without Portfolio Lukia Nakadama.
Also sworn in were Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, Security Minister Jim Muhwezi, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Jonard Asiimwe, Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, Minister for General Duties Hillary Onek, Government Chief Whip Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, and Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Sam Engola.
Other ministers who took office included Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, Attorney General Sam Mayanja, Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Energy Minister Dr Monica Musenero, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Internal Affairs Minister Prof Ephraim Kamuntu, Justice Minister Norbert Mao, Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, Tourism Minister Tom Butime, Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna, Water and Environment Minister Kahinda Otafiire, and Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama.
Dozens of Ministers of State were also sworn in across various government ministries and departments.
Among them were Sandra Alum, Minister of State for Economic Monitoring; Rose Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity; Diana Mutasingwa, Minister of State in the Office of the Vice-President; Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees; and Beatrice Akello, Minister of State for Northern Uganda.
Others included Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports; Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Minerals; Amos Lugoloobi, Minister of State for Planning; Joyce Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for Information; Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs; Persis Namuganza, Minister of State for Housing; and Margaret Muhanga, Minister of State for Urban Development.
Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi also took the oath of office.
All ministers took two constitutional oaths. Through the Oath of Allegiance, they pledged loyalty to the Republic of Uganda and committed themselves to protecting and defending the Constitution. Through the Oath of Minister, they pledged to faithfully serve the country, advise the President in the execution of his duties, and maintain confidentiality on matters of state.
The ceremony followed the approval of the ministers by Parliament’s Appointments Committee last week.
However, five appointed ministers did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.
According to Nakyobe, one of the ministers was indisposed while the Solicitor General and her office had engaged the remaining four ministers and submitted a report to the president for guidance.
She reminded them that the oath they had taken was a constitutional obligation and a solemn commitment to serve Ugandans with integrity, diligence, patriotism and humility.
“This means putting the interests of your country above personal interests and dedicating yourselves fully to advancing the welfare and prosperity of our citizens,” she said.
Nakyobe assured the ministers that the Public Service would support them in executing their responsibilities and urged them to work closely with civil servants to ensure effective implementation of government programmes.
She also announced an induction programme for the new Cabinet members. The training will run from June 14 to June 23 at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
The orientation programme will familiarise ministers with Cabinet procedures, government systems, policy implementation mechanisms and their responsibilities as members of the executive.
