Parliamentary Appointments Committee Begins Vetting of 81 Ministerial Nominees

The Parliamentary Committee on Appointments has officially begun its mandate to vet 81 nominees for various ministerial positions. This critical stage involves scrutinizing the qualifications and suitability of individuals proposed by the executive for senior government roles.

The committee, under the leadership of Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth and with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa as his deputy, is dedicating two days to this intensive review. The process kicked off early in the morning and will continue through tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

President Yoweri Museveni announced his Cabinet and State Minister appointments on May 26, 2026. Parliament subsequently confirmed the composition of the Appointments Committee during a plenary session last Thursday. The committee includes a broad spectrum of representation, featuring the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, and Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum.

Early vetting sessions have already seen interactions with prominent nominees. Among those who have faced the committee are Crispus Kiyonga, nominated as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament; Frank Tumwebaze for Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; and Jonard Asiimwe, designated as Minister in the Office of the President overseeing Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The Committee on Appointments operates as a Standing Committee, with a mandate lasting two and a half years. Its core function is to thoroughly examine, vet, and ultimately approve or reject nominees for high-profile public offices, including ministerial and judicial appointments, ensuring accountability and competence in government.

Updates on the vetting process will be available on Parliament’s official social media channels, including X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Source: Parliament of Uganda