The Appointments Committee of Parliament is scheduled to vet the recently appointed cabinet ministers on Monday, March 25, 2024. Adolf Mwesige, the Clerk to Parliament, confirmed this on Sunday, March 24, stating that the committee, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, will convene at 10:00 am.
According to parliamentary regulations, the proceedings of the committee are not open to the press. Within three working days, the Speaker is required by law to communicate the committee’s decision on any person nominated by the President for appointment in writing to the President.
In a simultaneous reshuffle of the cabinet and army on Thursday, March 21, President Yoweri Museveni made significant changes. Vincent Ssempijja, the former defence minister, was replaced by Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who previously served as the junior minister in the same docket.
Furthermore, Mary Kitutu and her junior Agnes Nandutu, ministers for Karamoja affairs, were replaced by Peter Lokeris and Florence Nambozo, respectively. This change came amidst a scandal involving Kitutu and Nandutu, who were accused of mishandling supplies meant for the Karamoja sub-region.
Harriet Ntabazi, the minister of state for trade, industry, and cooperatives, was also replaced by the outgoing Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Wilson Mbadi. Mbadi, transitioning to a civilian role as minister, was succeeded by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as a senior presidential advisor on special operations.
Balaam Barugahara, a prominent events promoter and businessman, was appointed state minister for children and youth affairs, replacing Sarah Mateke. Mateke, in turn, was named state minister for defence and veteran affairs. Additionally, Lilian Aber, along with her colleague from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), was appointed state minister for relief, disaster preparedness, and refugees, replacing Esther Anyakun.
President Museveni also appointed his Principal Private Secretary Dr Kenneth Omona as state minister in charge of Northern Uganda. Omona’s previous position was filled by Gloria Omaswa, who has a background in law and communication.
The upcoming vetting process in Parliament will provide an opportunity for scrutiny and evaluation of these newly appointed ministers before they assume their roles in government.
