Transition in Karamoja Affairs Ministry
Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, the outgoing Minister of Karamoja Affairs, has officially handed over her office to the incoming Minister, Peter Lokeris. The handover ceremony took place at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala and was witnessed by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah.
During the handover, Dr. Kitutu expressed her concerns about the challenges facing the implementation of planned activities in the Karamoja sub-region. She cited investigations, arrests, and interdictions as factors that have hindered progress. Additionally, Dr. Kitutu mentioned that the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs failed to implement activities for the financial year 2022/2023, leading to funds being returned to the treasury without being utilized.
Furthermore, Dr. Kitutu informed the incoming Minister that the budget allocation for Karamoja Affairs has significantly decreased, with the ministry receiving only UgShs. 4.88 billion compared to previous years’ allocations of over 12 billion shillings. Despite these challenges, Dr. Kitutu expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting her with the development of Karamoja and pledged her support to the incoming Minister.
In response, Hon. Peter Lokeris, the incoming Minister, thanked President Museveni for his commitment to the development of Karamoja. He also acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organizations involved in the development of the region.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah expressed appreciation for President Museveni’s trust in their service to Ugandans. She commended Dr. Kitutu for her dedication to serving the people of Karamoja and welcomed Minister Lokeris to the Office of the Prime Minister. Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of mindset change among the people of Karamoja and urged Minister Lokeris to coordinate with Non-Governmental Organizations to avoid duplication of efforts.
The handover ceremony marks a significant moment in the development interventions in the Karamoja sub-region. It follows a recent mini-reshuffle by the President, resulting in the appointment of new Ministers to oversee development initiatives in the area.
