President Museveni yesterday defended his recent Cabinet appointments, saying he focused more on striking a balance in regional distribution and age when choosing his ministers. These ministers that I selected are not necessarily the best, Mr Museveni said. They are good but you should know that many factors were considered like balancing regions. This represents stability and fusion.
The President, however, sought to defend the quality of his appointees, saying he had appointed many people of knowledge to key ministries. He pointed out new Energy minister Eng. Irene Muloni who once ran the public power distribution firm and Prof. Zerubabel Nyiira Mijumbi, a scientist who was appointed to the agriculture ministry.
Four nominees who were rejected by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee missed yesterdays swearing-in ceremony that was witnessed by Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki. The nominees who missed are MP James Kakooza (state minister for Health), Nasser Ntege Sebaggala (without portfolio), MP Saleh Kamba (state for Bunyoro Affairs) and MP Muyanja Mbabaali (state for Investment) and Interim Kampala Minister Beatrice Wabudeya.
Newly-appointed Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Maj. Gen. (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire was also not sworn in as he was said to be out of the country. President Museveni said his Cabinet is a cross-generation one representing ministers from the various age groups. The grandparents are here like myself, parents are here and grand children, he said. At least two out of three ministers are above 50 and the average age of Cabinet is about 54 years. The 1st Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Henry Kajura, 77, is the oldest while Mr Ronald Kibuule, 28, the state minister for youth, is the youngest.
The President said his appointments were partly informed by the need to unite the ruling party, which was left deeply divided after its acrimonious primaries that chose party flag bearers last August. He cautioned ministers against fomenting disunity dont be arrogant, listen and where necessary apologise. Dont offend people, dont abuse them and be careful how you use your tongue, he told them and warned public servants, particularly permanent secretaries, against corruption
