MPs approve Kivejinja appointment

By Moses Walubiri

Almost a decade ago during his stint as minister for presidency, veteran politician, Kirunda Kivejinja, tongue-in-cheek, told the press that the only job he knows is that of being a cabinet minister.

And despite being one of the most high profile causalities of a cabinet reshuffle that came in the wake of the 2011 general elections, Kivejinja on Wednesday made it back to cabinet after parliament's appointments committee approved his recent appointment as third deputy prime minister and minister for East African Community (EAC).

Under Uganda's 1995 constitution, it's a requirement for parliament to approve all presidential appointees including ministers.

The other three ministerial appointees vetted and approved yesterday included Bukedea woman MP, Rose Akol (internal affairs) and Bungokoh County South MP, Michael Werikhe (state for industry).

"My major goal is to find opportunities for Ugandans in the EAC. An enabling environment has been created in the region that our people out to exploit to economically better themselves," Kivejinja told the press after interfacing with the committee chaired by Speaker of parliament, Rebecca Kadaga.

After her vetting, Akol, too, was 'forced' to talk to the press, as scrumming journalists literally encircled her the moment she stepped out of the vetting room.

A parliamentary commissioner and a two-time lawmaker, Akol promised to foster the policies initiated by her predecessor, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who passed away a month ago.

"The issues of national identity cards and revamping Uganda's immigration system will be high on my agenda," Akol said.

However, sources privy to the committee's interface with Kivejinja told New Vision that the veteran politician had a riveting encounter with a committee that has in the past declined to approve President Yoweri Museveni's cabinet appointees.

Although the committee has a membership of 25 legislators, for the three appointees vetted, members chose one person to ask questions. And for Kivejinja, the honor fell on army representative, Gen. Elly Tumwine.

One of the questions put to Kivejinja was how his training as zoologist is compatible with his new role of minister for EAC. Kivejinja, a long time lawmaker representing Bugweri County until incumbent Abdu Katuntu ousted him a decade ago allayed fears of MPs citing his long record of service.

Kivejinja said he has been a Pan Africanist since his students days and as a result participated in Uganda's independence struggle. On account of this, Kivejinja said, he has served in different offices and ministries where the expertize of zoologists is not required.

As for his age, 80 years, Kivejinja said it will come in handy after he takes the oath of office.