MPs clear 23 new cabinet ministers
A total of 23 ministers were by yesterday cleared by the Parliament appointments committee.
By Cyprian Musoke,
Catherine Bekunda
and Milton Olupot
A total of 23 ministers were by yesterday cleared by the Parliament appointments committee.
First Deputy prime minister and Minister for East African Affairs was the first to appear before the committee at 10:30am.
The 66-year-old Kategaya said the committee members questioned him about his age.
“Committee members, especially Nandala Mafabi, complained that we are too old and should take some rest.
"I told him that they are enjoying the fruits of our labour. That is why they can even sit with us at the same table and gain from our wisdom,†he said.
Kategaya added that he managed to convince the members that he was still robust.
Asked whether he would stay on till the political federation is realised or if he was serving his last term, he answered; “This could be my last five years on the road to integration but the Mafabis were of the view that I have spent many years in cabinet. I have no problem with the youthful faces in Parliament because they bring new knowledge but it is based on what we have done before them,†Kategaya said.
Henry Muganwa Kajura, the Second Deputy Prime Ministers and minister of public service, said; “They raised the issue of my age but I told them that I was still able. Despite the fact that I had been retired from government, I beat those who contested against me in my constituency and I have been re-appointed.
He said he had been asked whether he would not like to leave younger people to take over, but he answered, “My exit will only create one extra job, yet being minister of public service will help me create a hundred more jobs for the youth,†he answered, to the laughter of journalists.
Third in line was Third Deputy Prime Minister nominee Moses Ali, who has just returned after a five-year absence from the House. He said the MPs asked him on how he would deal with Uganda’s problems.
“I told them that as a soldier, I will build a bridge between the rural Ugandans and the Government. They also said I am too old but I said that I must thank God for my old age. I also thank him for my voters who, despite knowing that I am old, still sent me here,†he said.
Kahinda Otafiire, the nominee for minister for Justice and constitutional affairs declined to comment on the atmosphere in the appointments committee.
“That is why it was exclusive. They did not want you to hear my questions.†Asked on the experience and expertise he is bringing to the new ministry, Otafiire said, “You people, let’s first get to the ministry. But I can assure you that the sun will not come from Congo. It will still come from the east.â€
Jessica Alupo, the nominee for minister for education, said she would be a team leader to her colleagues in the ministry.
“My new ministry is wide and requires commitment. I am glad to work with experienced people. I am highly expectant, especially with the reforms being undertaken,†she said.
Alupo said she had a useful interaction with members of the appointments committee.
Irene Muloni, the nominee for minister of energy expressed vigour to start work and noted she had a big task ahead.
“We want to accelerate the production of oil to get funds for infrastructural development,†she noted.
Muloni said her target was to produce 3,800megawatts to facilitate the growth of small and medium enterprises to employ the youth.
Henry Banyenzaki who has been nominated state minister for economic monitoring said he would ensure the improvement of people’s standards of living.
Catherine Bekunda
and Milton Olupot
A total of 23 ministers were by yesterday cleared by the Parliament appointments committee.
First Deputy prime minister and Minister for East African Affairs was the first to appear before the committee at 10:30am.
The 66-year-old Kategaya said the committee members questioned him about his age.
“Committee members, especially Nandala Mafabi, complained that we are too old and should take some rest.
"I told him that they are enjoying the fruits of our labour. That is why they can even sit with us at the same table and gain from our wisdom,†he said.
Kategaya added that he managed to convince the members that he was still robust.
Asked whether he would stay on till the political federation is realised or if he was serving his last term, he answered; “This could be my last five years on the road to integration but the Mafabis were of the view that I have spent many years in cabinet. I have no problem with the youthful faces in Parliament because they bring new knowledge but it is based on what we have done before them,†Kategaya said.
Henry Muganwa Kajura, the Second Deputy Prime Ministers and minister of public service, said; “They raised the issue of my age but I told them that I was still able. Despite the fact that I had been retired from government, I beat those who contested against me in my constituency and I have been re-appointed.
He said he had been asked whether he would not like to leave younger people to take over, but he answered, “My exit will only create one extra job, yet being minister of public service will help me create a hundred more jobs for the youth,†he answered, to the laughter of journalists.
Third in line was Third Deputy Prime Minister nominee Moses Ali, who has just returned after a five-year absence from the House. He said the MPs asked him on how he would deal with Uganda’s problems.
“I told them that as a soldier, I will build a bridge between the rural Ugandans and the Government. They also said I am too old but I said that I must thank God for my old age. I also thank him for my voters who, despite knowing that I am old, still sent me here,†he said.
Kahinda Otafiire, the nominee for minister for Justice and constitutional affairs declined to comment on the atmosphere in the appointments committee.
“That is why it was exclusive. They did not want you to hear my questions.†Asked on the experience and expertise he is bringing to the new ministry, Otafiire said, “You people, let’s first get to the ministry. But I can assure you that the sun will not come from Congo. It will still come from the east.â€
Jessica Alupo, the nominee for minister for education, said she would be a team leader to her colleagues in the ministry.
“My new ministry is wide and requires commitment. I am glad to work with experienced people. I am highly expectant, especially with the reforms being undertaken,†she said.
Alupo said she had a useful interaction with members of the appointments committee.
Irene Muloni, the nominee for minister of energy expressed vigour to start work and noted she had a big task ahead.
“We want to accelerate the production of oil to get funds for infrastructural development,†she noted.
Muloni said her target was to produce 3,800megawatts to facilitate the growth of small and medium enterprises to employ the youth.
Henry Banyenzaki who has been nominated state minister for economic monitoring said he would ensure the improvement of people’s standards of living.