President Yoweri Museveni has warned newly appointed ministers against corruption and inefficiency in government, saying restoring integrity in public institutions should be among their key responsibilities.
Museveni made the remarks on Tuesday at State House, Entebbe, while presiding over the swearing-in of three new ministers.
The ministers are Ambassador 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, as required under Article 115 of the Constitution and the Fourth Schedule.
Congratulating the ministers, Museveni urged them to focus on eliminating corruption and inefficiency within the institutions under their supervision.
He said some of the challenges affecting government programmes arise from negligence, while others are linked to the involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
The President said the new ministers should therefore strengthen supervision and accountability in their respective ministries.
Museveni also used the occasion to reiterate his position on dual citizenship, arguing that Uganda’s citizenship laws must be understood in the context of the country’s history of political instability.
He recalled that periods of political upheaval since 1966 forced many Ugandans into exile, including following the 1966 crisis involving the then Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and later during the regime of former president Idi Amin.
According to Museveni, the return of peace under the National Resistance Movement government created a need to address citizenship more systematically, particularly in relation to Ugandans with links to neighbouring countries.
“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies,” Museveni said.
“If we are to have unity, then let us unite, but you cannot owe allegiance to two sides. For neighbouring countries, it is important that people make a clear choice, or we move towards an East African Federation,” he added.
Museveni said Uganda’s continued push for an East African Federation could provide a long-term framework for addressing questions surrounding citizenship, identity and regional integration.
The President’s remarks come amid Uganda’s wider efforts to deepen East African integration, with the government repeatedly advocating for political and economic federation among member states.
Meanwhile, Minister for Internal Affairs Ephraim Kamuntu thanked Museveni for appointing the remaining ministers and fulfilling his constitutional mandate.
Kamuntu also commended the President for his patience in handling matters related to dual citizenship.
He urged the new ministers to work closely with other members of government to advance the country’s development agenda and support 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, which was attended by senior government officials and family members of the new ministers.
