New ICT PS pledges teamwork

 New ICT ministry permanent secretary Vincent Waiswa Bagiire. Photo by Juliet Kasirye

The new ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) permanent secretary, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, has said that teamwork is the greatest weapon that can contribute to the development of any organization.  

Speaking at the dinner where the former permanent secretary, Dr. Jimmy Pat Samanya was handing over to him, Bagiire said he is joining the ministry ready to learn and willing to work with everyone at the ministry.  

"I'm ready and free to work with everyone to achieve the mission of the ministry," Bagire said.

Bagire amused guests when he said: "For the few days I have been here, I have lost track of how many people have called me sir. Is this the culture here? Every one addresses me as sir!"

 From (left) Minister Frank Tumwebaze, Dr. Samanya, Ofwono Opondo and Vicent Bagiire

Bagiire hailed Samanya saying that the two have worked together in many aspects adding that Samanya is a very hard working person.

Samanya recalled how far the ministry has come. He said when he had just joined nine years ago, the ministry was run on a budget of only sh600m annually, but today, it is at between sh9-10b.

The ministry also lacked sufficient staff, seats were few and the staff used to share, and there was no internet.

"I am glad that by the time I am leaving the ministry, it has greatly developed, Ugandans can now access free internet among other developments," said Samanya

Minister of ICT, Frank Tumwebaze, said Samanya will continue working with the ministry to offer consultancy services.