Former minister Cheptoris reveals why he needs rest
“I have been sick for two or three years, I need a rest", Sam Cheptoris, the outgoing former minister of Water and Environment, said on Thursday, June 11th, as he handed over office to his successor, Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire.
Sam Cheptoris, former water and environment minister hands over to Major Gen Kahinda Otafiire as Beatrice Anywar, environment state minister looks on during the handover ceremony at the ministry of water and environment head office in Luzira on 11 June 2026. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)
KAMPALA - Since ministerial jobs are temporary, Cheptoris, who spearheaded and dedicated ten years of service to the ministry, said he was prepared to exit.
“I have been sick for two or three years, I need a rest", Sam Cheptoris, the outgoing former minister of Water and Environment, said on Thursday, June 11th, as he handed over office to his successor, Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire.
Cheptoris, who has served as a minister for 10 years, added that, "In 2011, I travelled all over the world for treatment, but little did I know the cure was here in Uganda".
During the two years, Cheptoris says, he sought medical treatment in some of the most high-profile hospitals, such as Nakasero, Case, Aga Khan Nairobi, Germany, and South Africa, but none of them had a cure for his medical challenge. I appreciate all people who stood by me in times of need, especially Dr Alfred Okidi, who visited me in Germany,” stated Cheptoris.
During the handover events at the water and environment ministry headquarters in Luzira, Cheptoris added that "Since public office jobs are temporary, any time you can leave, my time is up. I knew right from the beginning that being a minister is a temporary job. I was prepared and ready for the exit.
I appreciate President Yoweri Museveni for appointing me as a minister. I am now 78 years of age, and I have spent my best life in this ministry. Can you imagine a villager, right from Kapchorwa, I was heading the whole ministry, and I spent 10 years here? I appreciate those who made my life worthwhile in this ministry."
Otafiire advised staff to be dedicated to their duties or resign. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)
Addressing ministry staff, Major Gen Kahinda Otafiire stated, “I am returning to this ministry because I am hardworking. I was here 20 years ago. I am the person who started the programme of bulk water transfer. But it is a shame that after 60 years of independence, Karamojong still wander around looking for water. I'm glad to be back,” Otafiire stated.
He advised staff to be dedicated to their duties or resign.
Within the five years, Okidi disclosed: “We have connected more than 20,000 villages with water. We have improved the forest cover. At one time, it was at 9%, we brought it to about 13.9%; however, we dropped to 13.1% because of charcoal burning. The wetlands, we pushed it from 8.1% to 8.9%, and our target is to ensure we get back 14% by 2030, funding allowing.”