By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
Following the rejection of initial cabinet nominees, President Samantha Mwesigye has submitted a revised list for approval by the 27th Guild Parliament. This comes after majority of the MPs did not approve the previous nominees as they stated that the list lacked fair representation and some nominees lacked qualification for some of the roles.
According to our sources, the appointments committee of Parliament has held two closed door sessions to vet the newly proposed cabinet members. The position of Vice President remains vacant. McCarthy Mulangire (MP), who was listed as nominee for Vice President in the second list, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, leaving the Vice President role unfilled.
Gad Ayebare who had been nominated for the role Vice President in the first list was nominated for the position of Minister of Welfare and Gender in the second list, but faced significant opposition during the vetting process. It is alleged that Ayebare was voted out twice by the committee. According to the committee rules of procedure, once you are voted against twice, you can’t be reappointed.
A number of other nominees have passed the vetting process. Thomas Mugisha has been approved as Prime Minister. Additionally, Patricia Atim has been approved as Deputy Prime Minister; Jerry Evans as Minister of Presidency; Hon Job Mulenzimuto (MP) as Minister of Sports; and Emily Nahaabwe (MP) as Minister Of Communications and Public Relations.
Some of the nominees such as Samuel Mwesigwa also known as Cophi who had been nominated Deputy Minister of Communication and Public Relations, were notably absent during the vetting sessions.
One of the most contentious issues during this round of vetting has been the reappointment of Former two time Minister Hon. Ezra Lwanga. Initially nominated as Minister of ICT in the previous list, Lwanga’s return to a cabinet role — this time as Minister of Culture — has sparked debate among MPs. Despite his hard work cited from his previous track record, concerns have been raised regarding his time left at the university, Lwanga is left with one term of study before graduation.
By press time most of the cabinet appointees had been vetted.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Joseph Tenywa Michael, has urged thorough consideration in selecting nominees to ensure balanced representation across various faculties and student demographics.
