Sunday 29 May 2011

Uganda's president names full cabinet, drops 25 former ministers

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Friday night named his long-awaited new cabinet, dropping at least 25 former ministers.

Museveni who was sworn in for his fourth five-year term of office on May 12 named 75 ministers and said one would be named later making it to 76.

Ugandan legislators on Wednesday approved the increase of ministers to 76. The number of cabinet ministers was increased from 21 to 29 while those of states were increased from 21 to 47 to enhance effective political supervision and economic transformation of the country.

Out of 29 cabinet ministers named, women took 10 seats while 12 others were appointed as ministers of state.

In the changes announced, the 67-year-old leader, who has ruled the East African country since 1986 making him one of Africa's longest serving leaders fired ten former cabinet ministers and 15 ministers of state.

Museveni fired former third deputy prime minister and minister of internal affairs Kirunda Kivejinja, Beatrice Wabudeya (Presidency), Hope Mwesigye (Agriculture), Dorothy Hyuha (without portfolio), Aggrey Awori (Information, Communication and Technology), Omara Atubo (lands), Namirembe Bitamazire (Education), Janat Mukwaya (General Duties), Gabriel Opio (Gender and Labor) and Tarsis Kabwegyere (Disaster Preparedness and Relief).

The president elevated the First Lady, Janet Museveni, the former state minister for the famine hit northeastern Uganda commonly known as Karamoja to a full cabinet minister of the region.

Museveni made a biggest surprise with appointment of Maria Kiwanuka, a non politician as the new Finance Minister replacing Syda Bbumba, who has been moved to gender and social affairs.

The new ministers now await parliamentary approval before they start work.

Museveni on Tuesday named former Speaker of Parliament Edward Ssekandi as his next Vice President replacing Gilbert Bukenya who had served for the last eight years.

He also named former security minister Amama Mbabazi as the new Premier replacing Apolo Nsibambi. The two leaders were approved by Members of Parliament.

Museveni won the Feb. 18 presidential polls after he beat seven other candidates by 68.3 percent of the votes cast.

He was sworn in for his fourth five-year term of office on May 12 amidst increased opposition pressure for him to relinquish power.

The opposition has staged several protests since the elections leading to the death of over 10 people and injuring hundreds of others.

Source: Xinhua

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