By Rogers Wanambwa 

KIU, Main Campus – The new cabinet of Uganda has been sworn-in in a ceremony that took place at Kololo Independence Grounds yesterday, June 21.

The new Vice President, Maj Rtd Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business Robinah Nabbanja, Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali and Third Deputy Prime Minister, Lukia Nakadama, along other ministers got sworn in for their term in office for 2021-2026. 

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the First Lady, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports. 

The ceremony follows last week’s approval of the cabinet following a vetting process by the Appointments Committee of parliament that was chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Anita Among. 

According to Deborah Katuramu, who is the Deputy Head of Public Service and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, the swearing-in of Ministers is very crucial for Cabinet to formally start government business.

Among those who got sworn in are Maj Gen Rtd Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security, Hajati Misa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital and Metropolitan Affairs, Justine Kasule Lumumba, the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in charge of General Duties, Thomas Tayebwa and the Government Chief Whip, Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries, and the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, among others.

However, several ministers failed to show up for the swearing-in ceremony citing a number of reasons, including loss of loved ones, COVID-19 infections, and contact among others. 

These include First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Minister of East African Affairs, Hillary Onek, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees, Maria Goretti Kitutu the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Judith Nabakooba the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and Cheptoris Mangusho, the Minister of Water and Environment. 

Photo: Channel 54 News