House Okays Prof. Bukenya

Jun 04, 2003

PROF. Gilbert Bukenya took up his post as Vice-President after Parliament overwhelmingly endorsed his nomination yesterday,

PROF. Gilbert Bukenya took up his post as Vice-President after Parliament overwhelmingly endorsed his nomination yesterday, write Vision Reporters.

A few MPs expressed reservations about his nomination, saying other regions had been marginalised.

His predecessor, Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, and a host of other MPs led Bukenya to the chambers at 1:35pm.

His nomination was approved by 169 MPs against 18. There were no spoiled votes or abstentions.
The voting was by secret ballot.
The mood in the House was unusually jovial. Almost all Cabinet ministers attended and were eager to contribute to the debate.

Outside the chambers, a cheerful Bukenya shook hands and hugged all MPs that crossed his way.

Speaker Edward Sekandi said the approval satisfied the requirements of the Constitution that the approval must be by a simple majority of MPs.

“In view of the results and the requirements of the Constitution which requires a simple majority, Prof. Bukenya has been approved as Vice-President,” Ssekandi announced after Prof Edward Rugumayo, the returning officer, counted the votes.

Ssekandi urged Bukenya to serve the people diligently and unite the country.

Bukenya is the third medical professional to serve as a Vice-President in President Yoweri Museveni’s 17-year regime. Bukenya replaces Dr. Kazibwe who resigned from her position to go for further studies. She replaced Dr. Samson Kisekka.

The motion for approval was moved by Prime Minister Prof. Apollo Nsibambi and seconded by Kasese Woman MP Loyce Bwambale.

Nsibambi, who read Bukenya’s rich profile, said the new VP was an international scholar and researcher with a capacity to analyse the problems of the country and suggest practical solutions.

“I wish to assert as a fellow academic that Dr. Bukenya is a qualitative professor of international repute,” Nsibambi.said.

He also said Bukenya was a good listener, an attribute that enabled him to be elected chairman of the Parliamentary Movement Caucus.

“He is an embracer of all shades of political opinions, peace lover, accessible, modest man who has promoted teamwork wherever he has worked,” Nsibambi said.

Kazibwe was hailed for her diligent service.
Ends

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