President Yoweri Museveni has tasked three newly appointed ministers with fighting corruption and inefficiency in government institutions as they assume their respective offices.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the ministers at State House, Entebbe.
The ministers are Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Witonze Juma, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
Before assuming office, the three took and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister in accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution and the Fourth Schedule.
Congratulating the new ministers, President Museveni urged them to prioritise the fight against corruption and inefficiency, saying effective supervision and accountability are critical to restoring integrity in public service.
He said many challenges affecting government institutions are caused by negligence or the involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
“You have to fight corruption and inefficiency in government institutions,” President Museveni said, while emphasising the need for public officials to execute their duties responsibly.
The President also used the occasion to reiterate his position on dual citizenship, saying Uganda’s citizenship laws should be understood in the context of the country’s political history.
He said political crises, including the 1966 crisis involving the then Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and the subsequent regime of former president Idi Amin, forced many Ugandans into exile.
According to President Museveni, the restoration of peace under the National Resistance Movement government created the need to address citizenship questions, particularly involving Ugandans living in neighbouring countries.
“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies. If we are to have unity, then let us unite, but you cannot owe allegiance to two sides,” he said.
President Museveni said Uganda’s long-term solution to questions surrounding identity, citizenship and loyalty could be found in regional integration, particularly the proposed East African Federation.
He said Uganda would continue advocating for the federation as part of efforts to deepen regional integration.
Minister for Internal Affairs Ephraim Kamuntu thanked President Museveni for exercising his constitutional mandate to appoint the remaining ministers.
He also commended the President for his patience in handling issues surrounding dual citizenship.
Mr Kamuntu urged the new ministers to work closely with their colleagues in implementing the government’s development agenda and supporting efforts to achieve middle-income status during the current term.
Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe presented the ministers to the President for the swearing-in ceremony.
