A parade of powerful government figures and newly appointed ministers on Monday stormed Parliament as the Appointments Committee commenced the highly anticipated vetting exercise for President Yoweri Museveni’s new Cabinet team.Among the notable figures appearing before the committee was Agriculture Minister-designate Frank Tumwebaze, who later described the interaction as cordial and productive.
The Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth and deputised by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, began scrutinising ministerial nominees appointed by President Museveni last week as part of his new government lineup for the 2026–2031 term.The exercise attracted a host of senior political figures, including Vice President-designate Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister-designate Robinah Nabbanja, whose appointments had earlier received parliamentary approval. Also drawing attention were First Deputy Prime Minister-designate Rebecca Kadaga, Second Deputy Prime Minister-designate Crispus Kiyonga and Third Deputy Prime Minister-designate Lukia Nakadama.
Several veteran ministers and political heavyweights were also present as they sought Parliament’s endorsement to continue serving in Cabinet.Opposition legislators closely monitored the proceedings, with Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi taking part in the vetting sessions as a member of the committee.
Speaking shortly after his appearance, Tumwebaze said the discussions centred on his plans for Uganda’s agriculture sector, which remains the backbone of the country’s economy.”I had a good interaction with the Appointments Committee as they carried out their constitutional duty of vetting and assessing the suitability of ministerial appointees,” he said.Tumwebaze thanked Speaker Oboth, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa, Opposition Leader Ssenyonyi and other committee members for what he described as a cordial and collegial engagement.
The minister-designate also used the occasion to thank President Museveni for once again entrusting him with public office.”Once again, I thank H.E. President Museveni for giving me the opportunity to continue serving my country in the biggest sector of our economy—Agriculture,” Tumwebaze noted.Inside Parliament, security remained tight as ministers moved in and out of the committee rooms for the closed-door sessions. Sources indicated that most of the nominees are expected to sail through the process owing to their extensive government experience and the ruling NRM’s numerical strength in Parliament.The vetting exercise follows Parliament’s approval of an expanded Cabinet structure, increasing the number of Cabinet ministers and ministers of state to accommodate the new administration.Political analysts say the process is a crucial constitutional requirement intended to assess the competence, integrity and suitability of presidential appointees before they formally assume office
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While many of the nominees are seasoned politicians, observers expect Parliament to use the sessions to seek accountability on government performance, service delivery and policy implementation in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education and infrastructure.
For Tumwebaze, the spotlight remains on whether he can accelerate agricultural transformation, boost farmer incomes and expand export markets at a time when the sector continues to face challenges ranging from climate change to fluctuating commodity prices.
The Appointments Committee is expected to continue vetting additional ministers throughout the week before forwarding its recommendations for approval.As the political drama unfolds behind Parliament’s doors, all eyes remain on which new faces will make it into Cabinet and whether any surprise objections emerge during the scrutiny process.
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- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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