Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-03-21 20:14:12
President Museveni conducted a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday evening, maintaining most of his previous cabinet members while also making some unexpected appointments. The cabinet now consists of 30 full cabinet ministers and 51 state ministers.
One of the notable changes in the reshuffle was the removal of Mary Goretti Kitutu, the Minister of Karamoja Affairs, who is facing corruption allegations related to missing iron sheets designated for the Karamoja region. Peter Lokeris has been appointed as her replacement.
Additionally, Vincent Ssempijja, the former Minister of Defense and Constitutional Affairs, was replaced by Jacob Oboth. Surprisingly, events promoter Balaam Barugahara was appointed as the Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, taking over from Sarah Mateke, who is now the Minister of State for Defense and Veteran Affairs.
Dr. Kenneth Omona, who previously served as the private press secretary to the President, has been appointed as the State Minister in charge of Northern Uganda. General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi is now the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Trade).
In response to his appointment, Balaam expressed his gratitude towards President Museveni and pledged to focus on improving the quality of life for young people and ensuring their rights are upheld. He also mentioned his upcoming engagements, including participating in Easter Monday festivities in Masindi and the Labor Day celebrations as his first official assignment.
Born on July 28, 1979, in Mbarara District, Balaam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Makerere University and a Master of Science from Cavendish University. He is a staunch supporter of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), and serves as the PLU vice chairman for Western Uganda.
Furthermore, Lilian Aber, the vice chairperson for Northern Uganda, has been appointed as the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees. The full list of the cabinet members can be accessed here.
Overall, the reshuffle reflects President Museveni’s effort to bring in new faces and fresh perspectives into his cabinet while also recognizing the contribution of existing members. The appointments signal a shift in leadership dynamics and priorities within the Ugandan government, indicating a potential restructuring of key ministries and departments to address current challenges and opportunities.
The reshuffle has generated a mix of reactions within political circles and the general public, with some applauding the changes as a step towards reform and progress, while others remain skeptical about the implications and motivations behind the appointments. As the new cabinet settles into their roles, the country will be closely watching to see how they navigate the complex political landscape and fulfill their responsibilities to the Ugandan people.
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