New Cabinet Nominees Detail Priorities in Vetting Session

The Parliament of Uganda’s Appointments Committee has completed the vetting process for 42 of the 81 individuals appointed to ministerial positions by the President. The sessions, overseen by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, saw nominees present their plans and priorities for their respective dockets.

Among those vetted were Hon. Lukia Nakadama (Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio), Hon. Henry Musasizi (Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze (Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries), and Hon. Sam Mayanja (Attorney General).

Minister Nakadama emphasized improving the synergy between the Executive and Parliament, particularly concerning ministerial attendance. She proposed a rota system to ensure ministers are present to answer questions, table bills, and present papers, thereby preventing delays in parliamentary proceedings.

Minister Musasizi detailed the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio from 13% to 20%. He also highlighted the continued focus on the Parish Development Model (PDM), with plans to integrate more households into the money economy. Musasizi also addressed the redirection of funds from non-essential expenditures, such as public holiday celebrations, to priority sectors, advocating for allocative efficiency.

The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, identified corruption as a significant impediment to project implementation in his sector and pledged to combat it. He outlined plans to prioritize the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway from Kampala to Malaba and the rehabilitation of the Meter Gauge Railway, arguing these would reduce transportation costs. Several delayed road projects are also slated for completion.

At the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze affirmed the continuation of the Parish Development Model for smallholder farmers and pledged support for medium and large-scale farmers through accessible financing from institutions like the Uganda Development Bank.

Attorney General-designate Hon. Sam Mayanja stated that his focus would be on enforcing existing laws, particularly in areas like land titling and land board operations, rather than pursuing extensive legislative reforms. He believes many issues can be resolved through efficient legal interpretation and implementation.

Source: Parliament of Uganda