President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today presided over the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed ministers at State House, Entebbe, urging them to fight corruption and inefficiency in government institutions.
The newly sworn-in ministers are Hon. Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Hon. Witonze Juma, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
Before assuming office, the three ministers took and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister, as required under Article 115 of the Constitution and prescribed in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.
Congratulating the new ministers, President Museveni urged them to prioritise the elimination of corruption and inefficiency within government institutions.
He emphasised that their responsibility is to restore integrity in public service through effective supervision and accountability, noting that many challenges affecting government institutions arise from negligence or the direct involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
President Museveni also reiterated the government’s position on dual citizenship, stressing the importance of understanding Uganda’s historical experience and the circumstances that shaped its citizenship laws.
He noted that since 1966, Uganda has experienced periods of political instability that forced many citizens into exile, including during the 1966 crisis involving the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and later during the regime of former President Idi Amin.
The President explained that following the restoration of peace under the NRM Government, the issue of citizenship became more structured, particularly in relation to Uganda’s neighbouring countries.
“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies. 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 said.
President Museveni further highlighted ongoing regional integration efforts, noting that Uganda continues to advocate for the establishment of an East African Federation as a long-term solution to questions of identity, citizenship and regional integration.
Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister for Internal Affairs, thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his constitutional mandate by appointing the remaining ministers.
He also commended the President for his patience during the process of resolving matters relating to dual citizenship.
Kamuntu urged the newly sworn-in ministers to work closely with their colleagues to advance Uganda’s development agenda and support efforts to achieve middle-income status during the current term of government.
Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, presented the ministers to the President for the swearing-in ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and family members of the newly sworn-in ministers.
Hon. Musherure pledged to faithfully discharge her duties in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Uganda, committing herself to supporting government’s economic management agenda and national development priorities.
Her appointment comes at a time when the government is focusing on accelerating economic growth, improving domestic revenue mobilisation, strengthening public financial management, and implementing key priorities under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
As State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Musherure will work alongside the senior leadership of the Ministry of Finance in overseeing fiscal policy implementation, budget execution, financial sector development, and coordination of government economic programmes.
Government officials who attended the ceremony welcomed her appointment, expressing confidence that her experience in public service and legislative affairs would contribute to the ministry’s efforts to drive economic transformation and sustainable development.
The Ministry of Finance remains central to Uganda’s efforts to expand the economy, attract investment, support industrialisation, strengthen the private sector, and improve service delivery across government.
Musherure’s appointment is expected to reinforce the ministry’s capacity as it oversees the implementation of the 2026/27 national budget and other strategic economic initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth and job creation.
Following the swearing-in, the minister is expected to immediately begin her official duties and engage with ministry officials and stakeholders on ongoing fiscal and development programmes.
Her assumption of office adds a new member to the finance leadership team as government continues implementing reforms intended to enhance economic resilience, improve public expenditure efficiency, and support Uganda’s long-term development agenda.
